There’s something utterly magical about the first time you taste a perfectly roasted branzino. The skin is crispy and golden, the flesh impossibly tender and flaky, and the aroma transports you straight to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean. This branzino recipe is the kind of dish that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or looking to wow guests at your next gathering, this recipe strikes that beautiful balance between restaurant-quality presentation and weeknight ease.
Known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and delicate texture, branzino (also called European sea bass) is a favorite in Italian, Greek, and broader Mediterranean cuisines. In this dish, the fish is roasted whole with fresh herbs, citrus, and a drizzle of olive oil, making it a flavorful and healthy choice that’s hard to beat. This branzino recipe will win your heart with every bite, and you don’t need to be a pro chef to pull it off.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Branzino recipe
Difficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes280
kcalThis Mediterranean-inspired branzino recipe features tender whole fish seasoned with fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon. Perfectly roasted for a flavorful and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
2 whole branzino (sea bass), cleaned and scaled
2 lemons, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
Fresh thyme sprigs
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Branzino: Rinse the branzino fish and pat dry with paper towels. Score the fish on both sides.
- Season: Stuff the fish cavities with lemon slices, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the outside of the fish with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add Extras: Arrange the fish on a baking sheet. Scatter cherry tomatoes around the fish.
- Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Garnish with extra lemon wedges and herbs. Serve hot alongside vegetables or a light salad.
Notes
- Branzino is also known as European sea bass and is a lean, mild-flavored fish that pairs well with a variety of herbs and seasonings.
- You can also grill the branzino if you prefer a smoky flavor.
Why This Branzino Recipe Works
What sets this branzino recipe apart is its respect for simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, think lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, and good olive oil, you allow the delicate flavor of the fish to truly shine. Roasting the fish whole keeps it moist, and cooking it on a bed of citrus slices and herbs infuses every bite with bright, aromatic notes.
Unlike some seafood dishes that require lots of fussing, this branzino recipe is straightforward, giving you maximum impact with minimal effort. The key is to buy your fish already cleaned and gutted by your fishmonger, which shaves off prep time and eliminates the intimidation factor for home cooks.
Customization Options
This recipe is also endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences:
- Low-FODMAP Friendly: Skip the garlic and use garlic-infused oil instead.
- Keto or Paleo: Already fits the bill, just be mindful of your side dishes.
- Herb Swaps: If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, try oregano or tarragon.
- Citrus Variety: Lemon is classic, but orange or blood orange offers a sweeter twist.
- Fillet Option: If you’re not comfortable cooking the whole fish, use fillets and adjust the cook time accordingly, about 6–8 minutes in the oven at 400°F.
The beauty of this branzino recipe is its versatility. No matter your pantry or preference, there’s a way to make this dish your own.
Recipe Variants of the Branzino Recipe:
- Branzino Fillet Recipe: Use branzino fillets instead of whole fish for quicker preparation. Season the fillets with the same herbs and lemon, then pan-sear for a crispy, golden finish.
- Grilled Branzino: Grill the whole branzino on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor. Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Branzino in Foil: Wrap the fish in aluminum foil with veggies and herbs for a “fish en papillote” effect, locking in all the moisture and flavor.
- Branzino with Salsa Verde: Serve the roasted branzino with a fresh salsa verde made from parsley, garlic, capers, and olive oil for a zesty finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Branzino can be cooked in a variety of ways, but roasting or grilling are the most popular methods. Roasting brings out its natural flavors, while grilling adds a smoky depth.
Yes! Branzino fillets are great for a faster-cooking option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since fillets cook faster than whole fish.
Branzino is done when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes about 18-20 minutes at 400°F.
Not necessarily. Cooking the fish whole—bones and all, helps it stay moist and flavorful. Once cooked, you can gently fillet the fish at the table with a fork and spoon. For a fully boneless experience, ask your fishmonger to remove the bones but leave the fish whole.
Final Thoughts
This branzino recipe is the kind of dish that proves simplicity and sophistication can go hand in hand. With just a few fresh ingredients, lemon, herbs, garlic, and olive oil, you can create a meal that feels straight out of a seaside restaurant. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress without overwhelming your schedule.
For the perfect pairing, serve your branzino alongside this crisp and flavorful Asian Broccoli Recipe, or round out your table with a comforting Crock Pot Celery and Carrot Soup. And if you’re in the mood for more seafood deliciousness, don’t miss this well-balanced Salmon and Rice Recipe, it’s another wholesome favorite that’s easy to love.
Add this branzino to your recipe rotation and experience just how rewarding simple, high-quality cooking can be.
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