Name: Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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); Table salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 3 whole branzino fish (about 1 ¼ pounds each, scaled and cleaned); 1 lemon (thinly sliced); Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

There’s something truly delightful about sitting down to a beautifully cooked whole fish that’s bursting with flavor – that’s exactly why I adore this Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with bright, buttery goodness that will make your taste buds sing.

The image shows two whole grilled fish placed side by side on a large white oval plate. The fish have a golden-brown, crispy skin with some darker charred spots and visible textured scales. On top of each fish, there are thin slices of lemon arranged in a line from head to tail. Green parsley leaves are scattered over the fish, adding a fresh touch. Around the fish and on the plate edge, there are more lemon slices neatly spread. To the top right of the plate, there is a small bowl with a chunky light-green sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a gray cloth napkin is partly visible to the left. A woman's hand is holding the edge of the plate. 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 Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made baked branzino at home, and honestly, it felt like I had magically brought a restaurant experience right into my kitchen. This recipe is special because it balances ease and elegance effortlessly — you don’t need to be a chef to pull this off.

Effortless Gourmet: With only a handful of ingredients, you get a restaurant-quality fish dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Flaky and Moist Texture: The buttery lemon sauce keeps the branzino perfectly moist and tender, locking in all those fresh flavors.
Bright, Fresh Flavors: The lemon and herbs lift the richness of the butter, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.
Impressively Simple: This recipe looks fancy on the plate but is super straightforward to make, even if you don’t cook fish often.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe comes down to smart, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Fresh branzino pairs amazingly with the rich butter and vibrant lemon, while garlic and onion add a comforting savory base. Here’s a quick look at why each component is a must-have:

Flat lay of three whole fresh branzino fish, scaled and cleaned, one stick of salted butter in a small white ceramic dish, four peeled garlic cloves roughly minced in a white bowl, one small chopped onion in a white bowl, one lemon thinly sliced on a white plate, one lemon half alongside a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small bunch of fresh parsley chopped, a tiny mound of coarse table salt, a small heap of freshly ground black pepper, and a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil 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: Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce that coats the fish beautifully.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant punch without overpowering the delicate fish flavor.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Lemon juice: The acidity cuts through the butter and lifts up the whole dish with brightness.
Parsley (or chives): Fresh herbs bring a hint of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Table salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Whole branzino fish: Naturally flaky and mild, branzino is perfect for baking whole with skin on.
Lemon slices: Not just for garnish; they infuse the fish with a delicate citrus aroma as it cooks.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps the skin crisp up nicely.

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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 keeping this recipe flexible because that’s what makes cooking so fun! You can easily swap herbs or add a bit of heat with chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Making it your own is part of the joy.

Variation: I sometimes mix in fresh dill or basil instead of parsley, especially when I want a slightly different herb note, and it turns out wonderfully aromatic.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before baking gives the sauce a gentle kick that wakes up the palate beautifully.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy; you’ll lose a bit of richness but keep the lovely lemon flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

The image shows three whole raw fish with silver scales and dark fins laid out on brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Each fish has diagonal shallow cuts on its body. Underneath each fish are thin slices of bright yellow lemon, partially peeking out. A woman's hands are gently placing one lemon slice under the middle fish, showing the careful preparation. The scene is simple and clean, with the shiny fish contrasting against the warm parchment and cool white marble background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Oven

The first thing I do is preheat my oven to 425°F, placing the rack in the lower middle position. This temperature is spot-on for getting the skin crispy while keeping the fish juicy inside. Make sure your oven is fully heated before popping the fish in—it makes a big difference in texture.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the oven warms up, melt the stick of salted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This sauce is luxurious and so simple, and you’ll want to drizzle it generously over your fish later.

Step 3: Season & Prepare the Fish

Pat your branzino dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp up!) then rub with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper inside and out. You can gently stuff a few lemon slices inside the cavity for an extra citrusy aroma while baking—this is one of my favorite tricks for a fragrant, appealing dish.

Step 4: Bake the Branzino

Place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily when you test it with a fork. The timing can vary slightly depending on the size of your fish, but don’t overcook—juiciness is the goal here.

Step 5: Serve with Lemon Butter Sauce

Once the fish is perfectly cooked, transfer it carefully to your serving plates and pour over the warm lemon butter sauce. I love to add a few extra fresh parsley leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness—plus, it smells amazing.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few little tricks that make this baked branzino truly shine every time. These tips save you from common pitfalls and help ensure flawless flavor and texture.

Dry the Fish Thoroughly: Before seasoning, make sure to pat your branzino completely dry – this is key to crisping the skin without steaming it.
Don’t Overcook: Fish continues to cook outside the oven—remove it when it flakes easily but still looks moist at the center.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks that bright, fresh acidity; freshly squeezed really elevates the sauce.
Butter Temperature: Melt your butter slowly over medium, so it doesn’t brown or burn, keeping the sauce silky and smooth.

How to Serve Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

GarnishesI keep garnishes simple and fresh—extra lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley or chives. Sometimes I add a few microgreens or edible flowers if I’m serving guests; it looks beautiful and adds a touch of elegance with zero effort.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are roasted asparagus or green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic, and a light couscous salad with fresh herbs. The light, crisp veggies complement the richness of the lemon butter sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the branzino on a bed of thinly sliced fennel and lemon rounds—it steams gently and looks stunning on the platter. Serving it family-style right from a wooden board with extra sauce on the side always makes the meal feel warm and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, wrap leftover branzino tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate within two hours. I usually eat the leftovers within 1-2 days to keep the flavors fresh and the texture pleasant.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze baked branzino because the texture can suffer, but if you do, be sure to wrap it very tightly. Thaw it slowly in the fridge and reheat carefully to minimize dryness.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the fish in a low oven (about 300°F) covered loosely with foil to keep it moist. Reheating on the stovetop in a covered pan with a little butter works well too and helps revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to clean whole branzino?

I always buy my branzino already scaled and gutted from a reliable fishmonger or grocery store. If you’re cleaning it yourself, be sure to remove the guts, rinse under cold water thoroughly, and pat dry before cooking.

Can I substitute another fish for branzino?

Yes, you can! Similar whole white fish like sea bass or snapper work well with this recipe, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on size.

What side dishes pair best with baked branzino?

Light, fresh sides like roasted vegetables, green beans, or a citrusy couscous salad complement the lemon butter sauce perfectly without overpowering the fish.

How can I tell when the branzino is perfectly cooked?

You’ll know it’s done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist and translucent near the bone. Overcooked fish becomes dry quickly, so keep a close eye on it during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want to sound impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s fresh, flaky, buttery, and downright satisfying—plus, it always inspires compliments at the table. Give it a try next time you want to treat yourself or your guests to something simple and spectacular.