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Easy Roasted Lemon Herb Branzino Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This Easy Roasted Branzino recipe features whole branzino fish seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, then roasted to perfection in the oven. The result is a flavorful, tender, and flaky fish with crispy skin, perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Fish

  • 2 whole branzino (about 1 to 1 ½ pounds each), cleaned and scaled

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 2 lemons (one thinly sliced for cavity, one sliced or wedged for garnish)
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 6 sprigs fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano, and/or rosemary), plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the fish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thoroughly pat the branzino dry, including the cavity, using paper towels. Score the skin on each side with three shallow cuts to help the seasonings penetrate and to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the fish: Drizzle olive oil all over the fish, both inside the cavity and on the skin. Rub the oil evenly to coat. Generously season the fish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper inside and out. Stuff the cavity with a few slices of lemon, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herb sprigs for aromatic flavor. Reserve lemon slices or wedges for garnish and serving.
  3. Roast the branzino: Place the prepared fish on the parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The branzino is done when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For extra crispy skin, optionally place the fish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning the parchment or overcooking.
  4. Serve: Remove the roasted branzino from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish or drizzle with your favorite lemon garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Be sure to pat the fish completely dry to help achieve crispy skin during roasting.
  • Scoring the skin helps the heat penetrate evenly and enhances seasoning absorption.
  • If you prefer, substitute or combine different fresh herbs based on availability and preference (e.g., dill or basil).
  • Use room temperature fish for more even cooking.
  • Keep an eye during broiling as the fish can burn rapidly.
  • Branzino is also known as European sea bass and can sometimes be substituted with similar whole white fish.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/easy-roasted-lemon-herb-branzino-recipe/