Roasted Branzino with Lemon and Herbs
Enjoy the exquisite flavors of the Mediterranean with this roasted branzino recipe. Perfectly seasoned with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, this whole fish dish offers a delightful blend of crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh—ideal for a light yet satisfying main course.
Equipment
- Baking sheet (or roasting pan)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Kitchen twine (optional)
- Basting brush
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 whole branzino about 1 to 1.5 lbs, scaled, gutted, and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon sliced into rounds (plus extra wedges for garnish)
- 3 garlic cloves sliced or minced
- A handful of fresh thyme sprigs
- A handful of fresh rosemary sprigs
- A handful of fresh parsley leaves
- Optional A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Fish:
- Rinse the branzino under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
- Seasoning:
- Drizzle the fish (both inside and out) with olive oil. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stuff the Cavity:
- Place a few lemon slices, the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley inside the cavity. If desired, use kitchen twine to tie the fish closed, securing the herbs and lemon inside.
- Arrange for Roasting:
- Lay the fish on your prepared baking sheet. Optionally, lay a few extra lemon slices on top of the fish for additional flavor.
- Roasting:
- Roast the fish in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes (depending on the size of the fish) until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve your roasted branzino with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain.
- Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Seafood / Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Low Carb
- Keywords
- Branzino, Roasted Fish, Mediterranean, Whole Fish, Lemon, Herbs, Seafood Recipe, Healthy, Easy Recipe, Pescatarian
- Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 half of branzino
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the exact size of the fish and specific ingredients used.
Notes
Crispy Skin Tip: Pat the fish dry thoroughly before seasoning to help achieve a crisp skin.
Adjusting Cooking Time: Larger fish may require a few extra minutes in the oven. Always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, citrus-based sauce to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste.
Adjusting Cooking Time: Larger fish may require a few extra minutes in the oven. Always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, citrus-based sauce to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste.