Description
A light and luxurious Mediterranean herb and lemon baked branzino recipe featuring whole European sea bass infused with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic. This oven-roasted dish delivers tender, flaky perfection—ideal for seafood lovers seeking an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1–2 whole branzino, cleaned and gutted (approx. 1–1.5 lbs each)
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley
- 4–6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Fish: Rinse branzino under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make shallow diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to help absorb flavors.
- Season: Generously season the inside and outside of the fish with sea salt and black pepper.
- Stuff Fish: Stuff the fish cavity with parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon slices, and smashed garlic.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Drizzle olive oil over a baking dish or a lined baking sheet. Place the fish on the dish and drizzle with additional olive oil for crispness.
- Enhance Flavor: Arrange extra lemon slices, herb sprigs, and optional garlic cloves around the fish for added aroma.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, depending on fish size, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily, or the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Transfer fish to a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and squeeze lemon juice over the top before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or gently in a skillet over low heat.
- Freezing: Remove the flesh from bones and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean baked branzino, lemon herb branzino, whole roasted fish recipe, healthy seafood dish, easy branzino recipe