A beautifully roasted whole fish, packed with Mediterranean flavors and surrounded by tender, seasoned vegetables. This easy and healthy dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Elegant – A restaurant-quality dish made at home.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Rich in omega-3s and packed with fresh ingredients.
- Full of Flavor – A perfect balance of citrus, herbs, and spices.
- One-Pan Meal – Fish and veggies cook together for easy cleanup.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Fish
- 2 large whole Branzino fish (cleaned, gutted, and scaled)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons squeezed lemon juice
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dry parsley
For the Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the pan)
- ½ cup chicken broth (replaces white wine)
- 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced or cubed (½ inch thickness)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
How to Make Oven-Baked Branzino
1. Prepare the Fish
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse and pat dry the fish with paper towels.
- Make 3 or more diagonal slits on both sides of each fish.
2. Make the Seasoning Mix
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble for Baking
- Lightly oil a baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Place the fish on the pan and brush generously with the seasoning mix, coating both sides, the inside cavity, and slits.
- Stuff the cavity with minced garlic, sliced onion, and lemon slices.
- Insert lemon slices into the slits for extra flavor.
- Arrange bell peppers, potatoes, and remaining onions around the fish.
- Pour chicken broth over the vegetables and drizzle with the remaining seasoning mix.
- Sprinkle with extra paprika, salt, and dry parsley.
4. Bake the Fish
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and the potatoes are tender.
- Drizzle with extra lemon juice and pan drippings before serving.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Baked Branzino
- Use fresh fish – The fresher the fish, the better the flavor.
- Don’t overbake – Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Customize the seasoning – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes for extra depth.
- Try different veggies – Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions.
What to Serve with Baked Branzino
- Steamed rice or quinoa – A simple side to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Roasted vegetables – A mix of zucchini, tomatoes, or carrots.
- Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the buttery pan juices.
- Tzatziki or yogurt sauce – A cool, creamy contrast to the warm, citrusy fish.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Freeze for up to 2 months – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Variations & Customizations
- Dairy-Free Version – Replace butter with extra olive oil.
- Spicier Option – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Herb-Infused Twist – Use fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! This method works well with sea bass, snapper, or trout.
Do I need to remove the fish skin before serving?
No, the skin helps retain moisture and flavor, but you can remove it easily after cooking.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This oven-baked branzino is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your table. Serve it with fresh sides for a light yet satisfying meal.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turns out!
Other Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Lemon Herb Couscous
- Roasted Eggplant with Tahini