The Best Homemade Branzino Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how simple yet impressive this homemade branzino recipe is, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The dish is light, flavorful, and takes minimal effort to make. First, it uses fresh, easy-to-find ingredients**. Second, the cooking process is quick—just 15 minutes in the oven! Lastly, it’s a healthy meal that feels fancy without the fuss**.
Recipe
Branzino, also known as Mediterranean sea bass, is a delicate and flavorful fish that is perfect for a simple yet elegant meal. This recipe highlights the natural taste of the fish with minimal seasoning and a quick cooking method.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole branzino (about 1 lb each), cleaned and scaled
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the branzino under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make 3 diagonal slits on each side of the fish to allow for even cooking.
- Season the inside and outside of the fish generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each fish with lemon slices and fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs.
- Drizzle the fish with olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.
Notes:
- You can also grill the branzino for a smoky flavor. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, capers, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
Equipment:
Baking sheet or baking dish, parchment paper, paper towels, sharp knife
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Serving:
Serves 2
Nutrition
The Branzino recipe provides a balanced meal rich in essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade branzino with a fresh salad, like a zesty arugula mix or cucumber-tomato combo, for a light and crisp contrast. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots, also complement the fish beautifully, adding warmth and depth to the meal. These sides keep things simple but elevate the dish in a way that feels effortless.
Fresh Salad Options
Since branzino has such a light, delicate flavor, pairing it with a fresh salad can really make the meal shine. I love keeping it simple—toss together crisp greens like arugula or spinach with juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a handful of fresh herbs. A lemon vinaigrette works wonders, matching the fish’s brightness without overpowering it. Sometimes I add thin shavings of fennel for a bit of crunch and a hint of sweetness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll throw in some avocado or toasted pine nuts. A good salad balances the branzino perfectly, making every bite invigorating and satisfying.
Roasted Vegetables Pairing
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, and when paired with branzino, they create a meal that’s both hearty and light. I love tossing carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of rosemary, then roasting until they’re caramelized and tender. The flavors complement the delicate fish perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll add cherry tomatoes for a burst of brightness, or thinly sliced fennel for a subtle licorice note. It’s a versatile pairing that feels fancy yet easy to pull off. Plus, the colors on the plate make it look like something straight out of a gourmet kitchen.
