Name: Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 whole branzino fish (about 1 ¼ pounds each, scaled and cleaned); Table salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 lemon (thinly sliced); Extra virgin olive oil; 1 stick salted butter (4 oz); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon parsley (or chives, freshly chopped)

There's something truly magical about a perfectly cooked, flaky fish drenched in a tangy, buttery sauce. The Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe hits all those notes — simple ingredients, a quick cook time, and that fresh lemon brightness that makes your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a go-to whenever you want to impress without stressing.

Two whole roasted fish with crispy brown skin are placed side by side on a white oval plate. The fish are topped with golden, crumbly bits, some melted butter, and small dark spots of char. Several thin, light yellow lemon slices rest on and around the fish, adding brightness to the dish. Bright green fresh parsley leaves are scattered on the fish and plate for a fresh touch. To the upper right of the plate is a small white bowl with a chunky green sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a gray cloth napkin partly visible near the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe countless times, and every single time it turns out like a restaurant-worthy dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight. What makes it so special? It’s the buttery lemon sauce paired with the tender branzino that just melts in your mouth.

Simplicity: Only a handful of fresh ingredients deliver incredible flavor without complicated prep work.
Speedy Cooking: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes – perfect for a quick but elegant dinner.
Gourmet Flair: You’ll impress friends or family with a meal that feels fancy but is totally approachable.
Freshness Boost: The lemon butter sauce elevates the branzino, making each bite vibrant and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays its part to create that fresh, buttery flavor packed with a hint of garlic and lemon zest. Freshness is key—especially when it comes to the fish and herbs—so picking quality items at your local market makes all the difference.

Flat lay of three whole fresh branzino fish with shiny silver scales and clear eyes, a small white ceramic bowl with a stick of pale yellow salted butter, four peeled garlic cloves, one small peeled onion chopped into pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly squeezed lemon juice, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, thinly sliced fresh yellow lemon rounds arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted butter: Acts as the flavor base and creates a rich, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the fish.
Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that balances out the acidity of lemon.
Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce without overpowering.
Lemon juice: Delivers that essential citrus brightness that cuts through the richness and keeps things light.
Parsley (or chives): Fresh herbs that add a pop of color and a subtle fresh bite at the end.
Table salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons both the fish and the sauce perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough heat and complexity.
Whole branzino fish: These tender, delicate fish are perfect for roasting whole and soaking up the lemon butter flavor.
Lemon (sliced): Thin slices infuse a gentle zing and make for a beautiful garnish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used to lightly oil the fish for a crisp skin and to lock in moisture.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe depending on the season or what herbs I have on hand, and you should too! It’s a fantastic base that you can experiment with easily, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it.

Variation: Once, I swapped parsley for fresh thyme and it gave the sauce an earthy twist that was delightful.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter touch, try using clarified butter or a mixture of butter and olive oil.
Seasonal upgrade: Adding a handful of capers or fresh dill on top just before serving adds a vibrant punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe

Three whole raw fish lie side by side on a white marbled surface lined with brown paper. Each fish has deep diagonal cuts across their greyish-blue skin, and slices of yellow lemon are placed beneath them. A woman's hands are gently touching the fish in the middle and bottom positions, with one hand on the top side of the middle fish and the other hand near the bottom fish’s head. The fish have shiny scales and clear eyes, showing they are fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Fish

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), placing your rack on the lower middle position. While that warms up, pat the branzino dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up perfectly. Then, lightly rub the fish with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper, inside and out. Don’t skip this step; seasoning is key to highlighting that fresh fish flavor.

Step 2: Make the Lemony Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your stick of butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking gently until fragrant and soft—about 3 to 4 minutes. Now stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and the chopped parsley or chives. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, giving it a final stir to marry all those flavors. This sauce is what turns simple fish into something extraordinary, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Roast the Branzino

Place the olive oil brushed branzino on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a roasting tray. Lay thin lemon slices along the top and inside the fish for that fresh citrus infusion as it cooks. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes — you’re aiming for tender, flaky fish with a lightly crisped skin. Keep an eye on it; fish can dry out if overcooked, so trust your instincts!

Step 4: Serve with the Lemon Butter Drizzle

Once out of the oven, carefully transfer your branzino to serving plates. Spoon that luscious lemon butter sauce over the top, ensuring every bite has a little kiss of garlic, herb, and citrus goodness. And just like that, you’ve got a stunning, gourmet meal that anyone would be proud to serve.

Top Tip

After making the Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that helped me nail the perfect flaky, flavorful fish every time. These tips are little moments that make a big difference in your results.

Pat Dry Thoroughly: Removing all moisture before seasoning prevents soggy skin and helps it crisp during roasting.
Don’t Skip Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just won’t have the zing or brightness that fresh-squeezed gives to the sauce.
Use Fresh Herbs: Chives or parsley fresh from the garden (or market) add that vibrant, fresh pop that dried herbs can’t mimic.
Watch Your Oven Position: Placing the rack on the lower middle position ensures even cooking and crispy skin without burning the sauce.

How to Serve Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe

Lemon Butter Branzino - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always keep it simple here. Fresh lemon wedges for an extra citrus squeeze, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and sometimes a few capers if I’m feeling fancy. These little touches add color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish pop on the plate.

Side Dishes

This fish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, creamy risotto or a warm quinoa salad also complement those buttery, lemony flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like serving the whole fish on a wooden board garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs, surrounded by small bowls of sauces or sides. It gives a rustic yet elegant vibe that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the fish tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate in an airtight container. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days to keep the texture nice and fresh.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing cooked branzino with lemon butter sauce—it can affect the texture and flavor. However, you can freeze raw branzino whole if you want to prepare in advance and cook fresh later.

Reheating

To keep the fish moist, I reheat gently in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10 minutes. Reheating slowly prevents drying out and keeps that lemon butter sauce luscious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen branzino for this recipe?

Yes! Fresh is ideal, but if frozen branzino is all you can find, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures a crisp skin.

How do I know when the branzino is perfectly cooked?

Look for flaky flesh that comes away easily from the bones when probed with a fork, and an internal temperature of around 145°F. The skin should be crispy but not burnt.

Can I substitute another fish if I can’t find branzino?

Absolutely! Whole snapper, trout, or sea bass are good alternatives with similar textures and flavors that work well with the lemon butter sauce.

What sides pair best with this fish?

Light, fresh vegetable sides like roasted asparagus, green beans almondine, or a simple mixed greens salad complement the rich lemon butter sauce beautifully and keep the meal balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Gourmet Lemon Butter Branzino Recipe is one of those dishes I recommend to any home cook who wants to create something elegant without fuss. With minimal ingredients and surprisingly little effort, you get a dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy the process as much as the final bite—it’s a comforting, fresh, and truly delicious way to bring a touch of gourmet flair home.