Description
Mediterranean Branzino emerges as a delicate seafood masterpiece, bringing coastal Italian flavors to your dinner table. Delightful herbs and lemon elevate this elegant fish, promising you a simple yet sophisticated culinary experience that transports senses to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Branzino (fish)
- 2 whole branzino fish
- 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Accompaniments
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter (57 g)
- 1 small onion
- 2 slices lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Meticulously clean the branzino fish, ensuring all scales are removed and the cavity is thoroughly rinsed under cold water.
- Pat the fish completely dry using paper towels to guarantee crisp skin during roasting.
- Create strategic diagonal cuts along the fish’s exterior to help seasoning penetrate deeply and promote even cooking.
- Crush garlic cloves and combine with chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley to create a vibrant herb mixture.
- Generously massage olive oil across the entire fish surface, inside and outside, then liberally season with salt and black pepper.
- Stuff the fish cavity with fresh herb mixture and thinly sliced lemon rounds, allowing aromatics to infuse during roasting.
- Preheat oven to 425°F, preparing a roasting pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place prepared branzino on the pan, positioning sliced onions around the fish for additional flavor enhancement.
- Pour white wine around the fish to create a moisture-rich cooking environment.
- Roast in preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, until fish turns golden and flakes easily with a fork.
- During final 5 minutes of cooking, dot fish with butter to create a luxurious, glossy finish.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and remaining chopped herbs before serving immediately.
Notes
- Ensure fish scales are completely removed to prevent tough, unpleasant texture during eating.
- Use clean kitchen towels or paper towels to thoroughly dry fish surface, which helps achieve perfectly crispy skin when roasting.
- Make diagonal cuts at a slight angle and not too deep to allow seasonings to penetrate while maintaining fish’s structural integrity.
- Select fresh, high-quality branzino with clear eyes and firm flesh for optimal taste and texture.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like oregano or dill for unique flavor profiles.
- Choose dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement delicate fish flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on fish thickness – thicker fillets might require slightly longer roasting.
- Replace butter with olive oil for dairy-free or vegan alternative finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg