Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino

If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino is it. This dish is light yet packed with bold flavors—tender fish, bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and a touch of olive oil. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re sitting by the sea, sipping wine and enjoying the warm breeze. Seriously, it’s that good.

Branzino, with its mild, flaky texture and delicate flavor, is the perfect canvas for all those Mediterranean ingredients—garlic, rosemary, thyme, and of course, fresh lemon. The best part? It’s a ridiculously easy dish to prepare, but it looks and tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. Your friends and family will think you’re a culinary genius, but really, you just followed a few simple steps! Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino

Here’s why this dish is a total winner:

Fresh and Flavorful: The branzino absorbs all the flavors of the fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s savory and bright at the same time.

Healthy and Light: Branzino is a lean, white fish that’s low in fat and high in protein, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something healthy but satisfying.

Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this dish sing. Just a few fresh herbs, some lemon, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, and you’re good to go!

Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which means you can make this for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a special occasion. It’s versatile like that!

Elegant Presentation: Baked whole, the fish looks stunning on a platter with its crispy skin and aromatic herbs. It’s a showstopper without the fuss.

Ingredients

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

Branzino: The star of the show. Whole branzino (or European sea bass) is mild in flavor, flaky, and perfect for baking whole. You can ask your fishmonger to clean and gut the fish for you if you prefer.

Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and slices add the perfect citrusy punch to brighten up the fish and enhance the flavors of the herbs.

Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley will infuse the fish with incredible Mediterranean flavor. These herbs are fragrant and aromatic, making them ideal for a simple, baked fish.

Garlic: Minced garlic gives the dish a savory depth. You’ll love the fragrance that fills the kitchen as it bakes.

Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil brings richness and helps the fish skin crisp up nicely in the oven.

Salt and Pepper: A little seasoning is all you need to bring out the natural flavors of the fish. You can adjust to taste.

Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish, a little white wine for extra flavor, and a few olives for an added Mediterranean touch!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bring this Mediterranean masterpiece to life? Here’s how:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Fish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you haven’t already, ask your fishmonger to clean and gut the branzino, or do it yourself at home. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure the fish is completely dry to get that nice crispy skin.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Drizzle a bit of olive oil on both sides of the fish. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity of the fish with a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme, as well as some lemon slices. Add minced garlic inside the cavity for an extra boost of flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the Fish on a Baking Sheet

Place the prepared fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top of the fish, and place a few more lemon slices on top. You can also scatter a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme around the fish for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Branzino

Pop the fish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. The skin should be golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Once the fish is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon. Serve the fish whole on a platter, allowing your guests to enjoy the gorgeous presentation. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, couscous, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

How to Serve Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino

This Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more delicious:

With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes are a perfect complement to this dish. The Mediterranean flavors all come together beautifully.

With Couscous or Quinoa: Light, fluffy couscous or quinoa is a wonderful side to soak up the bright lemony sauce and juices from the fish.

With a Fresh Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach dressed with a lemon vinaigrette would be a refreshing side that complements the rich flavors of the fish.

With Mediterranean Olives: A bowl of Kalamata olives or mixed Mediterranean olives brings that salty, briny contrast to the delicate fish.

With Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread to mop up any juices or extra olive oil. You’ll thank yourself later.

Additional Tips

• Fish Temperature: If you’re unsure whether the fish is cooked, you can check with a thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fish.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs really make this dish shine. You can substitute dried herbs in a pinch, but fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley really elevate the flavors.
• Add White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, pour a little white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) over the fish before baking. It adds depth and a little acidity that works perfectly with the lemon.
• Adjust the Lemon: Love lemon? Feel free to add more lemon slices on top or even a lemon zest garnish at the end for an extra citrusy kick.
• Serve the Fish Whole: Serving the fish whole makes a beautiful presentation, but you can also fillet the fish before baking if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A1: Yes! If you can’t find branzino, you can substitute with other mild, flaky fish like bass, snapper, or cod. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different fish may cook at different rates.

Q2: Can I cook this on the grill instead of in the oven?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer grilling, you can cook the fish on a preheated grill over medium heat. Make sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Branzino is best served fresh, but you can prep everything in advance. Season the fish, stuff it with herbs and lemon, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the fish is cold from the fridge.

Q4: How do I know when the fish is done?
A4: The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. You can also use a food thermometer—when it reaches 145°F (63°C), it’s perfectly cooked.

Q5: Can I use frozen branzino?
A5: Yes, frozen branzino works fine! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking. It may take a bit longer to cook than fresh fish, so keep an eye on it.

Q6: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A6: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a light Rosé pairs wonderfully with this fish. The acidity in the wine complements the lemon and fresh herbs in the dish.

This Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino is a game-changer, whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner. With its fresh flavors and simple elegance, it’s a dish everyone will love!

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