Description
Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino is a light, flavorful seafood dish infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon. Perfect for a nutritious and elegant meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole branzino (cleaned and gutted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 fresh lemon (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Fish
- Rinse and pat dry the branzino.
- Make a few shallow slits on each side for better seasoning absorption.
3. Season the Fish
- Rub the fish inside and out with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stuff the Cavity
- Fill the fish with lemon slices, garlic, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil and white wine if using.
6. Bake
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle with harissa.
- Extra Crispy Skin: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispier texture.
- Herb Butter Finish: Brush with herb-infused butter before serving.
- Grilled Option: Grill the fish over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Citrus Twist: Use a mix of orange and lemon slices for a sweeter flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baked branzino, Mediterranean fish, whole roasted fish, lemon garlic branzino, easy seafood recipe