Description
Branzino, also known as European sea bass, is a mild, flaky white fish popular in Mediterranean cuisine. This roasted branzino recipe highlights its delicate flavor with simple seasonings and fresh herbs, making for an impressive yet easy-to-prepare dish.
Ingredients
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For the Branzino:
- 2 whole branzino (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each), cleaned and scaled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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For the Lemon-Garlic Sauce (Ladolemono):
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Prepare the Branzino: Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish, about ¼-inch deep. This helps the seasoning penetrate and ensures even cooking.
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Season the Fish: Brush the outside and inside cavities of the fish with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stuff each cavity with lemon slices and thyme sprigs.
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Roast the Branzino: Place the prepared fish on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The skin should be crispy.
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Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Sauce: While the fish is roasting, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Once the fish is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with the lemon-garlic sauce. Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: This roasted branzino pairs excellently with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or herbed potatoes.
Alternative Herbs: If thyme is unavailable, rosemary or parsley can be used to stuff the fish.
Cooking Method: Grilling is an alternative to roasting. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: branzino, roasted branzino, Mediterranean sea bass, whole fish recipe, lemon-garlic sauce
- Calories: 272 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 19 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 91 mg
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: branzino, roasted branzino, Mediterranean sea bass, whole fish recipe, lemon-garlic sauce