Description
This Branzino recipe features whole, flaky fish roasted to perfection with a lively lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs. It's a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a gourmet meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
- Table salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Fish and Garnish
- 3 whole branzino fish (about 1 ¼ pounds each, scaled and cleaned)
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack on the lower middle level to ensure even roasting of the fish.
- Prepare Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley or chives. Season with table salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Fish: Pat the branzino dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of each fish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity of each fish with a few slices of lemon for added flavor.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the seasoned fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a lightly oiled roasting pan. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the fish and place additional lemon slices atop or inside the fish as desired.
- Roast Fish: Place the fish in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the skin is lightly crisped.
- Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and drizzle the prepared lemon butter sauce over the top. Serve immediately for a fresh, gourmet experience.
Notes
- Use fresh, whole branzino for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice in the butter sauce according to your taste.
- If parsley is unavailable, chives are a great substitute to add a mild onion flavor.
- Ensure the fish is patted dry before seasoning to achieve a crisp skin.
- The lemon butter sauce can be prepared ahead and warmed before serving.
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
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
