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Easy Roasted Lemon Herb Branzino Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 137 reviews

This Easy Roasted Branzino recipe features whole branzino fish roasted to perfection with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. The fish is scored and seasoned inside and out to absorb the aromatic flavors during roasting, resulting in tender, flaky flesh and optionally crispy skin. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 2 whole branzino (about 1 to 1 ½ pounds each), cleaned and scaled

Flavorings

  • 2 lemons (one thinly sliced for stuffing and garnish, one for garnish or wedges)
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 6 sprigs fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano, and/or rosemary), plus more for garnish

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the fish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the branzino completely dry inside and out using paper towels. Score the skin by making 3 shallow cuts on each side to help the seasoning penetrate and ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the fish: Drizzle the olive oil over the fish and rub it evenly both inside the cavity and on the skin. Generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper inside and out. Stuff the cavity with thin lemon slices, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herb sprigs to infuse the fish with aromatic flavor. Reserve some lemon slices to garnish or serve as wedges.
  3. Roast the branzino: Place the seasoned fish on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The flesh is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For an optional crispy skin, carefully broil the fish for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning the parchment paper or overcooking the fish.
  4. Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for squeezing. Optionally, drizzle with lemon garlic butter sauce for extra richness and flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure to pat the fish completely dry to help achieve crispy skin.
  • Adjust roasting time based on the size of your branzino; larger fish may require additional minutes.
  • Use a mix of fresh herbs for the best aromatic flavor.
  • If a crispy skin is desired, monitor closely during broiling to avoid burning.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: roasted branzino, lemon herb fish, whole fish recipe, Mediterranean seafood, easy fish dinner, healthy roasted fish

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/easy-roasted-lemon-herb-branzino-recipe/