Description
Mediterranean charm radiates through this grilled branzino, showcasing fresh herbs and lemon’s zesty embrace. Delicate fish meets smoky grill marks, promising a light, elegant seafood experience you’ll savor with Mediterranean soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fish Ingredients:
- 2 whole branzino, cleaned and scaled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Accompaniments:
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the branzino by patting it completely dry with paper towels to ensure optimal grilling and crispy skin.
- Create a flavor blend by mixing minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Gently rub the fish inside and outside with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously season the fish cavity and exterior with the prepared garlic-herb mixture.
- Stuff the fish interior with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices, which will infuse delicate aromatics during grilling.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400-450°F, creating a hot and consistent cooking surface.
- Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the delicate fish from sticking and tearing.
- Place the branzino perpendicular to the grill grates, allowing beautiful crosshatch grill marks to form.
- Grill each side for 4-5 minutes, carefully monitoring to avoid overcooking and maintain the fish’s moisture.
- Check doneness by ensuring the fish flesh turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Transfer the grilled branzino to a serving platter, drizzling with extra virgin olive oil.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Pat the fish thoroughly dry to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin that adds delightful texture and prevents sticking during grilling.
- Create versatile seasoning by experimenting with different herb combinations like thyme, oregano, or dill to customize flavor profiles for various palates.
- Use a fish basket or well-oiled grill grates to prevent delicate branzino from breaking apart and ensure smooth, effortless flipping during cooking.
- Opt for sustainable, fresh branzino from reputable fish markets to guarantee superior taste and support responsible seafood sourcing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg