If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and effortlessly elegant, the Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe is here to impress. This dish brings together tender, flaky branzino soaked in fragrant herbs and zesty lemon, creating a delightful balance that feels like a warm Mediterranean breeze on your plate. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is simple enough to prepare yet rich enough in flavor to make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic in this Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor, from the fresh herbs to the citrus notes, ensuring every bite is memorable.
- 2 whole branzino (about 1 lb each), cleaned and scaled: The star of the dish, offering mild, flaky flesh that perfectly absorbs the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the herbs stick to the fish while baking.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Brings an aromatic earthiness that’s classic in Mediterranean cooking.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Adds subtle depth and enhances the herbal fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A mild sweetness and a hint of color to brighten up the fish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a mellow garlicky flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for juice): Fresh lemon slices go inside the fish, while the juice adds an irresistible tang on top.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the fish cavity with rich, fresh garlicky warmth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of green and a fresh note at the end.
- 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable broth (optional): Provides extra moisture and subtle flavor during baking.
How to Make Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven to 400°F (200°C)
Start by setting your oven to the perfect temperature to lock in the flavors and achieve a tender, juicy fish. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil ensures your branzino won’t stick and cleans up easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
Give your branzino a gentle rinse under cold water and pat dry carefully with paper towels. The cleaner and drier your fish is, the better the seasonings will adhere. Don’t skip cleaning and scaling—it makes a huge difference in texture and taste.
Step 3: Score the Fish
Using a sharp knife, make 2 to 3 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish. These cuts not only allow the herbs and lemon to penetrate deeply but also help the fish cook more evenly, resulting in perfectly flaky flesh throughout.
Step 4: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This herbaceous blend is what makes the Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe truly shine, layering flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Season the Branzino
Rub the herb and oil mixture generously all over both sides of the fish. Make sure to massage some seasoning into the scored cuts and inside the cavity—this ensures every inch of the fish is infused with deliciousness.
Step 6: Stuff with Lemon and Garlic
Fill the cavity of each branzino with lemon slices and minced garlic. This step infuses the fish from the inside out, releasing aromatic citrus and garlicky notes as it bakes, creating a wonderful flavor mosaic.
Step 7: Add Optional Moisture and Bake
Place the fish on your prepared baking sheet. For extra tenderness and a touch more flavor, pour white wine or vegetable broth around the fish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the flesh flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 8: Finish with Fresh Lemon Juice and Parsley
Once baked, remove your branzino from the oven and drizzle the fresh lemon juice right on top. This final burst of citrus lifts the dish to new heights. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a lovely green contrast and fresh aroma.
How to Serve Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes highlight the natural flavors of this dish best. Finely chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but a crisp herbal note. A few extra lemon wedges on the side invite guests to adjust the brightness to their liking.
Side Dishes
The beauty of Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe is that it pairs effortlessly with classic sides. Think roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for earthy undertones, or a crisp Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives for refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this delicate fish on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful grilled vegetables or lemon slices for a festive look. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of herbed couscous or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices from the fish, turning it into a complete, vibrant meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover branzino in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making it perfect for a quick, healthy lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your cooked Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe, wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Consume within one month for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the delicate fish. For added moisture during reheating, cover the fish loosely with foil.
FAQs
Can I use other fish instead of branzino?
Absolutely! While branzino’s mild flavor and tender flesh make it ideal, you can substitute similar whole fish like sea bass or snapper to achieve great results.
Is it necessary to score the fish?
Scoring is highly recommended because it helps the seasoning penetrate deeper and ensures the fish cooks evenly without drying out.
Can I prepare this recipe without white wine?
Yes, the white wine is optional. You can use vegetable broth or simply skip the liquid—it helps keep the fish moist but isn’t essential to delicious flavor.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The branzino is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The flesh should look opaque and feel tender.
What sides go best with Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe?
Roasted vegetables, Mediterranean salads, herbed couscous, or even garlic mashed potatoes complement the fish beautifully, balancing its bright and herbal profile.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—a dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is stunning on the table. The Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little sunshine and zest to your meal routine. Whether you’re cooking for two or impressing guests, this recipe delivers all the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite. Give it a try and soon it might just become your new favorite!
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Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino recipe features whole branzino seasoned with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic, and fresh lemon. The fish is scored and stuffed with lemon slices and garlic, then baked to perfection for a flavorful, tender, and aromatic dish perfect for a light, healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 2 whole branzino (about 1 lb each), cleaned and scaled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional Flavorings
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable broth (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Fish: Rinse the branzino under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Ensure the fish are completely cleaned and scaled for best results.
- Score the Fish: Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 diagonal cuts on both sides of each fish. This scoring allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper and helps the fish cook evenly.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Season the Fish: Rub the olive oil and herb mixture liberally all over both sides of the branzino, making sure some seasoning gets into the scored cuts and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Stuff the Fish: Place several slices of lemon and a portion of minced garlic into the cavity of each fish to infuse them with bright citrus and aromatic garlic as they bake.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the seasoned branzino on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, pour white wine or vegetable broth around the fish to keep them moist and add extra flavor during cooking.
- Bake the Fish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the fish from the oven and drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top to enhance the bright Mediterranean flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked branzino and serve immediately alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a Mediterranean salad.
Notes
- Make sure the fish is properly cleaned and scaled before cooking for best flavor and texture.
- Scoring the fish helps the marinade penetrate and ensures even cooking.
- Using white wine or vegetable broth is optional but adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- Check doneness by the fish flaking easily with a fork and an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fish at its freshest and most flavorful.
