Description
This restaurant-quality whole branzino recipe features a lively lemon butter sauce that brings out the delicate, flaky texture of the fish. With minimal ingredients and just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a gourmet seafood dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 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
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the lower middle position to ensure even cooking of the fish.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley or chives. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Season Fish: Pat the branzino dry with paper towels. Season the cavity and outside of each fish generously with table salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity with thinly sliced lemon slices to infuse flavor.
- Arrange Fish for Baking: Place the seasoned branzino on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top to help with browning and moisture retention.
- Bake the Fish: Bake the branzino in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and spoon the warm lemon butter sauce over the fish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the fresh, delicate flavors.
Notes
- Scaling and cleaning the branzino properly is key for a great texture and taste.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor in the lemon butter sauce.
- Do not overcook the fish; baking 15 minutes at 425°F yields perfectly flaky meat.
- You can substitute parsley with chives or other fresh herbs depending on your preference.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 127 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 82 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22.5 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
