Greek-Style Roasted Branzino Recipe

Greek-style roasted branzino recipe is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors. Branzino, also known as Mediterranean sea bass, is a mild, flaky, and slightly sweet white fish that is widely enjoyed in European and North African coastal cuisines. This branzino recipe is perfect for those seeking a simple seafood dinner that feels elegant and refreshing. Whether you are an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this easy fish recipe will become a favorite.

The secret to this dish lies in its simplicity. Fresh whole branzino is seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs, then roasted to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful fish with crispy branzino skin and an irresistible aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Plus, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy parents, working professionals, and food enthusiasts.

Greek-Style Roasted Branzino Recipe

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• Author: Janet
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This Greek-style roasted branzino recipe features whole Mediterranean sea bass seasoned with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, then roasted until tender with lightly crispy skin. A simple and elegant seafood dish inspired by classic Mediterranean cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 whole branzino (Mediterranean sea bass), cleaned and gutted
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4–6 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
• Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or dill)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the branzino under cold water and pat dry thoroughly.
3. Make shallow slits on both sides of each fish.
4. Place the fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet or roasting pan.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the fish and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Rub garlic into the slits and inside the cavity.
7. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
8. Arrange extra lemon slices and cherry tomatoes around the fish if using.
9. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
10. Optional: Broil for 3–4 minutes for crispier skin.
11. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the fish dry helps achieve crispier skin. Avoid overcooking, as branzino cooks quickly. You can substitute branzino with sea bass or snapper. Serve with salads, roasted vegetables, or rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Seafood Recipes
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 whole fish
• Calories: N/A
• Sugar: N/A
• Sodium: N/A
• Fat: N/A
• Saturated Fat: N/A
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: N/A
• Carbohydrates: N/A
• Fiber: N/A
• Protein: N/A
• Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: greek branzino recipe, roasted branzino, mediterranean sea bass, whole fish recipe, greek seafood recipe, oven roasted fish

Branzino Recipe: Why This Mediterranean Sea Bass is Perfect

Branzino, also called European sea bass, is a versatile and flavorful white fish. This fish is popular in Mediterranean fish dishes because of its light, slightly sweet flavor and flaky texture. It’s commonly roasted whole, allowing the seasoning and herbs to infuse into the fish, creating a perfectly balanced meal.

Branzino is a sustainable seafood choice, typically costing between $12–$15 per pound, and it is easily available in fish markets or grocery stores. Selecting fresh branzino is important for the best results. Here are a few tips:

• The fish’s eyes should be clear and not cloudy.
• Fresh branzino should have bright, shiny scales and a clean, ocean-like smell.
• The flesh should be firm and bounce back when touched.

Cooking a whole roasted fish may sound intimidating, but this branzino recipe is incredibly simple and rewarding. You will see just how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality fish to your table.

Ingredients for the Best Greek-Style Branzino Recipe

This Greek-style branzino recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight the fish’s natural flavors. Here is everything you need to make this Mediterranean sea bass recipe:

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh whole branzino (1–2 fish, about 1 pound each)
• Extra virgin olive oil (for seasoning and drizzling)
• Fresh lemons (sliced into rounds for stuffing and garnish)
• Garlic cloves (4–6 cloves, minced or sliced)
• Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, or dill for stuffing and garnishing)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Cherry tomatoes (optional, for a burst of color and sweetness)

Optional Garnishes and Sauces:

• Ladolemono sauce: A Greek dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
• Fresh parsley for garnish.
• A drizzle of melted garlic butter for added richness.

This combination of simple and fresh ingredients ensures that your whole roasted fish will turn out flavorful and tender. If branzino isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with other mild white fish like snapper, cod, or sea bass fillets. Additionally, these alternatives will still work beautifully with the lemon, garlic, and herb seasoning, offering a similarly delicious result. Regardless of your choice, the outcome will be a delightful and easy fish recipe that is perfect for lunch or even a light dinner. Furthermore, the versatility of this dish allows you to experiment with different types of fish without compromising on flavor or quality.

Branzino Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide for a Perfect Dish

This branzino recipe is broken into simple steps to make the process easy and enjoyable for anyone, regardless of their cooking experience. While roasting a whole fish may initially seem challenging, it is far easier than you might think. In fact, with just a few basic techniques and fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. Here’s exactly how to make this restaurant-quality fish dish at home, ensuring impressive results every time.

Step1: Prepping the Fish

1. Start with fresh whole branzino. If the fish isn’t already cleaned and gutted, ask your fishmonger to prepare it for you. This saves time and makes the process easier.
2. Rinse the fish under cold water to remove any residue, then pat it dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to achieving crispy branzino skin.
3. Make shallow ¼-inch deep slits on both sides of the fish. This helps the seasoning and herbs penetrate the fish, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Step2: Seasoning the Branzino

1. Drizzle the fish generously with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and minced garlic on the fish, rubbing the seasoning into the slits and cavity.
3. Stuff the cavity of the fish with fresh lemon slices, thyme, and oregano. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, place a few inside the cavity for extra sweetness.

Step3: Roasting the Fish

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures the fish cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Place the fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Add any extra lemon slices or cherry tomatoes around the fish for added flavor.
3. Roast the branzino in the oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork, and the skin turns golden and crispy.

Step4: Broiling for Extra Crispiness

For that beautiful crispy branzino skin, switch the oven to broil for the final 3–4 minutes. Keep a close eye on the fish to prevent it from burning. The broiling step adds a golden, caramelized finish that elevates this whole roasted fish to the next level.

The Secret Sauce: Greek Ladolemono Dressing

The finishing touch to this Greek-style branzino recipe is the tangy and flavorful ladolemono sauce. This traditional Greek dressing enhances the roasted fish with its bright, lemony flavor and aromatic oregano.

Ingredients for Ladolemono:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Preparation:

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Drizzle the ladolemono sauce over the roasted branzino just before serving. The combination of tender fish, crispy skin, and tangy dressing creates a simple seafood dinner that is both light and satisfying.

Branzino Cooking Techniques: Roasting, Pan-Searing, and Grilling

Cooking branzino is easy with a few tips to ensure the best results:

• Don’t overcook the fish: Branzino cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
• Crispy skin is key: Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up in the oven.
• Use fresh herbs and lemon: Fresh ingredients elevate the flavors of this Mediterranean sea bass recipe.
• Add variety: Experiment with other seasonings like rosemary, basil, or paprika for a twist.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Pan-Searing and Grilling

While roasting is the traditional method, you can also prepare this branzino recipe by pan-searing or grilling for a delicious alternative.

Pan-Searing Branzino:

• Pat the fish dry and season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Place the fish skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Grilling Branzino:

• Brush the fish with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
• The grill adds a smoky flavor that complements the lemon and herbs beautifully.

The natural color of seafood is influenced by pigments found in the marine food chain, including astaxanthin found in foods.

Serving Suggestions for Your Branzino Recipe

This Greek-style branzino recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of Mediterranean sides. Here are a few ideas to create a balanced and flavorful meal:

• Greek salad: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Lemon-herb rice pilaf: Light and fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs and lemon zest.
• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted with olive oil and garlic.
• Warm pita bread: Perfect for soaking up the ladolemono sauce.

For a refined seafood menu, this branzino pairs beautifully with elegant dishes such as this savory crab brulee recipe.

Conclusion

This Greek-style roasted branzino recipe is the perfect dish for a light, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers restaurant-quality results right in the comfort of your own kitchen. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can transform this delicate Mediterranean sea bass into a show-stopping centerpiece for your table.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual family lunch or hosting a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests. Furthermore, its clean, bright flavors make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy seafood option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

In addition, the combination of tender, flaky branzino with crispy skin and vibrant herbs creates a balance of textures and flavors that’s truly unforgettable. Pair it with your favorite sides like a Greek salad, lemon-herb rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying Mediterranean meal.

So, if you’re ready to try something new and bring a touch of Mediterranean magic into your kitchen, this recipe is for you. Ultimately, this easy-to-follow method proves that cooking an elegant seafood dish doesn’t have to be complicated. Try it today—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious homemade roasted branzino can be!

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