Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino

Introduction

When I think of Mediterranean cuisine, I immediately picture light, fresh, and vibrant dishes bursting with flavor. And let me tell you, Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino checks all those boxes and then some. If you’ve never cooked branzino before, this is the perfect recipe to get acquainted with this delicious fish.

I first encountered branzino on a trip to the Mediterranean, and I was completely hooked. The light, flaky fish paired with fresh herbs and citrus? It was like a summer vacation on a plate. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that same taste at home, and this recipe has been my go-to. It’s so easy to make, yet it feels so elegant and special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The fish itself is tender and flaky, and the Mediterranean herbs—like rosemary, thyme, and oregano—bring out such a fresh and aromatic flavor. The lemon adds just the right amount of zest, and everything is baked in the oven, which means it’s incredibly simple to prepare. You can just pop it in the oven, let it do its thing, and in about 30 minutes, you’ve got a stunning, flavorful dish. The best part? It’s healthy, light, and makes you feel like you’re dining at a beachside bistro with the ocean breeze in your hair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino, and here’s why:

• Easy to Prepare: The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a last-minute dinner party. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a sheet pan and your oven.
• Healthy and Light: If you’re looking for a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this is it. Branzino is a lean, protein-packed fish, and the herbs and citrus add tons of fresh flavor without the need for heavy sauces or frying.
• Elevated but Simple: It looks like something you’d order at a fancy Mediterranean restaurant, but it’s so easy to make at home. The crispy skin and flaky fish will make you feel like a professional chef!
• Versatile: Serve it with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or some herbed rice, and you’ve got a full meal. You can even enjoy it with a side of tzatziki or hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

I also love how adaptable this recipe is. It’s so simple, yet you can easily make it your own. Throw in some extra spices if you like a little heat, or use different herbs depending on what you have on hand.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes baking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on the size of your branzino.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 12g

Ingredients

This Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino is made with just a few fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 whole branzino fish (scaled, gutted, and cleaned): The star of the dish! If you can’t find branzino, any white, flaky fish like sea bass or snapper will work.
• 1 lemon (thinly sliced): For a burst of citrus flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary: A classic Mediterranean herb that pairs wonderfully with the delicate fish.
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried): For that fresh, green taste that screams Mediterranean.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: To drizzle over the fish for a beautiful golden finish.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning. Don’t forget to season the cavity of the fish for maximum flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic richness.
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional): For extra moisture and depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a wine-free dish.

You can always adjust the herbs based on what you have available. If you’re out of oregano, you could use some fresh parsley or dill for a different flavor profile. It’s a forgiving recipe that allows for a bit of flexibility!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the easy, straightforward steps to make this Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino. Don’t worry if you’ve never baked whole fish before—this method is simple and foolproof!

1st Step: Prepare the Fish

First, make sure your branzino is cleaned and prepped. If you bought it whole, the fishmonger should’ve already scaled and gutted it for you, but check to make sure. You’ll want to give the fish a quick rinse under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip drying the fish. The skin will get much crispier in the oven if it’s dry!

Once the fish is prepped, make small diagonal slashes on both sides of the fish with a sharp knife. This will help the herbs and flavors penetrate the flesh and allow the fish to cook evenly.

2nd Step: Stuff the Fish with Herbs and Lemon

Now it’s time to add the flavor! Take a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, and a couple of lemon slices, and stuff them inside the cavity of each fish. Add a clove or two of minced garlic inside as well. The aromatics will infuse the fish with flavor as it bakes.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work just fine! Just reduce the amount to about half of what the recipe calls for.

3rd Step: Arrange the Fish on a Baking Sheet

Place the branzino on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Drizzle the olive oil over the fish, making sure to coat both sides. Then season generously with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: Seasoning both inside the cavity and on the skin is key. The skin gets crispy, so you want that flavor to shine!

4th Step: Add the Lemon and Garlic

Now for the finishing touches! Lay a few more lemon slices on top of the fish, and sprinkle the minced garlic all over the top. This will create a wonderful, fragrant crust as the fish bakes.

5th Step: Bake the Fish

Pop the fish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Pro Tip: If you like extra crispy skin, you can broil the fish for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

6th Step: Serve and Enjoy

Once the fish is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the fish moist. Then serve it up with your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve

Now that your Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino is ready, here are a few serving ideas to complete the meal:

• Serve with roasted vegetables: Try roasted Mediterranean veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. They complement the fresh, herbal flavors of the branzino perfectly.
• Pair with a simple arugula salad: Toss fresh arugula with olive oil, lemon, and a pinch of salt for a light, peppery side salad.
• Herbed rice: Serve the fish over a bed of herbed rice or couscous for a filling and satisfying meal.
• Tzatziki or hummus: For a truly Mediterranean experience, serve the fish with a side of creamy tzatziki or your favorite hummus.

You can also pair this dish with a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a complete Mediterranean dining experience.

Additional Tips

To help you get the most out of this recipe, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use a meat thermometer: If you want to be extra sure that your fish is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The fish should reach an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C).
2. Don’t overcook the fish: Branzino cooks quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Overcooked fish can become dry, so aim for tender, flaky flesh.
3. Fresh herbs are key: While dried herbs will work, fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano really elevate this dish. If possible, opt for fresh!
4. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil: Right before serving, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the fish for an added layer of flavor and richness.
5. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, branzino can be used in fish tacos, salads, or even flaked into pasta for another delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is branzino, and can I use another type of fish?

Branzino, also known as European sea bass, is a delicate, mild-flavored fish with tender, flaky flesh. If you can’t find branzino, you can easily substitute it with other white, flaky fish such as snapper, sea bass, or even trout. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.

2. How do I know when the fish is cooked through?

The easiest way to check if the fish is done is by using a fork. The flesh should flake easily and be opaque all the way through. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

3. Can I cook branzino fillets instead of a whole fish?

Yes! If you prefer fillets, you can easily cook them instead of the whole fish. Simply adjust the cooking time to around 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Make sure to check for doneness by looking for flaky, opaque flesh.

4. Can I make this recipe without fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs really elevate the flavor of this dish, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. Use half the amount of dried herbs (for example, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme instead of fresh sprigs) to avoid overpowering the dish.

5. Do I need to remove the skin from the branzino?

No, you don’t need to remove the skin. In fact, keeping the skin on helps to keep the fish moist while baking and gives it a delicious, crispy texture. The skin is completely edible and adds a wonderful contrast to the tender fish.

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Conclusion

This Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino is the perfect dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation or to impress your guests at your next dinner party. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing it. Whether you serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some fragrant herbed rice, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out, and I promise you’ll be hooked, just like I was on that Mediterranean trip!