Whole Roasted Branzino with Herbs and Lemon
A simple, elegant recipe for whole roasted branzino, stuffed with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfectly flaky and moist, this Mediterranean classic is ready in under 30 minutes and makes for a stunning centerpiece.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the fish.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse the cleaned branzino inside and out with cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 shallow diagonal cuts on both sides of each fish. This helps the fish cook evenly.
TIPPatting the fish very dry is the key to getting crispy, delicious skin.Season and stuff the branzino.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil inside the cavity of each fish.
- Season the inside and outside of both fish generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of each fish with sliced lemon, sliced garlic, 2 sprigs of thyme, and 2 sprigs of rosemary.
Roast the fish until cooked through.
Place the stuffed fish on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the fish. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
TIPThere's no need to flip the fish during roasting. It will cook through perfectly.Serve the roasted branzino immediately.
Carefully transfer the whole roasted fish to a serving platter. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pan. Give the fish enough space to allow the hot air to circulate for even roasting.
- 2You can place the fish on a bed of thinly sliced onions or fennel on the baking sheet for extra flavor.
- 3To check for doneness, gently poke the thickest part of the fish with a fork. If it flakes easily, it's ready.
- 4Leftover fish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Flake the meat off the bones before storing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
Use branzino fillets instead of a whole fish. They will roast much faster, typically in about 10-12 minutes.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons total and serve with a large side of steamed green beans or asparagus.
low carbLow carb
Serve the roasted fish with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Branzino provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes, and supporting overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This fish is a great source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fats that are crucial for brain health and have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
Supports Immune Function
Branzino contains a good amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative stress and supports a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, roasted branzino is very healthy. It's an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids which support heart and brain health, and essential minerals like selenium.
