Simple Baked Branzino with Lemon & Herbs

Baked Branzino Recipe: Simple Lemon & Herb Perfection!

By Amara Vitalis June 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Alright, mate, let's dive into this branzino recipe . You know, sometimes you just crave that taste of the sea?

Getting Hooked on Baked Branzino

Ever wonder what fancy restaurants are hiding? turns out, a fantastic, easy branzino recipe is totally doable at home! this greek branzino recipe inspired dish is all about fresh flavours lemon, herbs, and perfectly cooked fish.

This whole baked branzino screams mediterranean holiday. think sun-drenched shores and delicious, healthy food. it's surprisingly easy. prep takes 15 minutes and it's in the oven for about 20-25.

This recipe serves two.

What's the Buzz About Branzino?

Honestly, full fish recipes like this are underrated! this whole baked fish is packed with protein and healthy fats. plus, it's light and flavourful, making it perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated dinner party.

Serve it with a crisp salad. this oven fish stands out because it combines simplicity with elegance.

I used to be intimidated by cooking whole fish recipes baked . seriously, i thought it was way too cheffy. the best way to cook fish is by making these dutch oven fish recipes .

Then i realised this oven-roasted fish is actually a piece of cake!

Now, before we start, have you ever heard of " fish bread "? No, me neither! I was just messing with you to see if you're awake.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this unreal branzino recipe . Honestly, it's simpler than you think!

Ingredients & Equipment for Unforgettable Branzino

You know when you’re prepping, and everything is just…right? It's all about getting the best stuff, right?

Main Ingredients: The Heart of this Greek Branzino Recipe

Two whole branzino , gutted and scaled, each about 12-14 ounces (340-400g) . Look for bright eyes and firm flesh – that’s your sign of freshness, fam! You want the freshest whole baked branzino you can find.
2 tablespoons (30ml) of extra virgin olive oil . Don’t skimp; good oil makes a difference.
1 lemon , thinly sliced. Go for organic if you can, the zest adds a little something.
2 cloves garlic , minced. Fresh is always best.
¼ cup (60ml) of fresh parsley, chopped.
¼ cup (60ml) of fresh oregano, chopped.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs!

Okay, these herbs are key! Parsley and oregano? Classic combo. They sing together!

Essential spice combinations: Salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, oregano. Seriously, don't underestimate the power of simplicity!
Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Lemon, duh! It brightens everything up. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of kick!
Quick substitution options: No fresh oregano? 1 teaspoon of dried oregano works.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen for this oven fish .

Baking sheet.
Parchment paper. Makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me.
Small bowl.
Consider one of those dutch oven fish recipes . If you have one!

You can totally use foil instead of parchment paper, if that's what you have lying around. no stress! thinking about doing a whole baked fish ? these tools will get you there.

If not you can always try the fish bread route.

We are going to try to get your fish feeling right at 400° F ( 200° C) .

This oven-roasted fish recipe is gonna be a smash. It will become one of your favorite full fish recipes .

Cooking Method: Simple Baked Branzino with Lemon & Herbs

Honestly, baking a whole fish recipe like branzino recipe sounds fancy, right? but trust me, it's easier than making toast.

I swear! i used to think it was something only restaurants could pull off. then i tried it myself, and oh my gosh, it's foolproof.

Forget that dutch oven fish recipes and fish bread , this oven fish is where it's at! this simple recipe brings the taste of the mediterranean to your table with flaky, succulent branzino (european sea bass).

It’s infused with bright lemon and aromatic herbs. think sunshine on a plate!

It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing your mates on the weekend. Seriously, even if you can barely boil water, you can nail this.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!

Essential mise en place is key. chop your herbs before you even think about turning on the oven. thinly slice one lemon.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic and measure out your olive oil.

Time saving tip? Buy pre-minced garlic! Don't tell anyone I said that. It's a lifesaver. Safety wise, mind the knife. I cut myself once slicing a lemon not fun!

Baking Branzino: step-by-step (Easy Peasy!)

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). This is crucial for even cooking.
Pat your 2 whole branzino dry. This helps the skin get crispy.
Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil , minced garlic, 1/4 cup fresh parsley , 1/4 cup fresh oregano , salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Rub that delicious herb mixture inside the fish cavities. Stuff with lemon slices, too. Then, brush the outside of the fish with any remaining goodness.
Place the branzino on a baking sheet. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Look for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork. That's your visual cue! Don't overcook it! It'll be dry and sad.
Serve immediately with extra lemon. BOOM! Full fish recipes do not get easier than that.

Pro Tips for Branzino Bliss

Want to level up your Greek branzino recipe game? I got you.

First, don't be afraid of the skin . Crispy fish skin is heaven. Just make sure the fish is dry before you bake it.

Next, avoid overcooking at all costs! This is a common mistake. Check for flakiness after 20 minutes . Honestly, oven-roasted fish is easier than it sounds.

And finally, you can prep the herb mixture ahead of time. Then, just slap it on the fish when you're ready to bake. No stress!

Now, get out there and bake some whole baked branzino ! Let me know how it goes, yeah? I'm already planning my next whole fish recipes baked .

Okay, let's flesh this branzino recipe out! It's going to be so good.

Recipe Notes for Your Baked Branzino Bliss

So, you’re about to embark on making this awesome greek branzino recipe . awesome! but before you grab your apron, let's chat about a few things that will make this even better.

Honestly, these are the things i wish i knew the first time i made it. oh my gosh, that was a learning experience!

Plating like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)

Okay, so the taste is already amazing. but presentation? that elevates everything! think about it. for this whole baked branzino , try serving it whole on a platter.

It's just gorgeous! garnish with extra lemon slices. fresh parsley sprigs are also a must.

Want something on the side? roasted asparagus is my go-to! a quinoa salad with feta and cucumbers works too. i love it as a light and refreshing compliment to this full fish recipes .

And for a drink? a crisp white wine like pinot grigio chef's kiss ! it is the whole baked fish that needs to be paired well!

Storage Savvy (Because Leftovers Happen)

Refrigerate any leftover oven fish within two hours. use an airtight container, you know? it'll keep for about 2-3 days.

To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 275° f ( 135° c). don't microwave it unless you want rubbery fish.

Trust me, you don't. i learned that the hard way!

Freezing? honestly, i don’t recommend freezing baked fish. the texture changes too much. but, if you must, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

After this, place it in a freezer bag, then use it within a month. thaw in the fridge overnight. keep in mind it is a part of the whole fish recipes baked !

Remix It! (Variations for Every Palate)

Got dietary needs? Easy peasy! To make it gluten-free, just ensure all your seasonings are gluten-free. Easy peasy!

Feeling adventurous? swap out the herbs. dill and fennel would be amazing! or, use different oven-roasted fish . sea bass or snapper would work great .

It is important that if you are baking this in a dutch oven fish recipes , that the fish isn't overcrowded in the dutch oven.

Nutrition Nuggets (Health Perks!)

This branzino recipe is packed with protein. important for muscle building, you know? it's also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

They are super good for your heart and brain. this recipe isn't too high in carbs. the lemon and herbs add antioxidants.

These help your body fight off those nasty free radicals.

So, go ahead and make this amazing baked branzino! don't be scared to get a little experimental with the fish bread ! it's easier than you think, and the results are so worth it.

Honestly, you've got this! enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is branzino anyway? Is it hard to find?

Branzino, also known as European sea bass, is a mild, flaky white fish that's super popular in Mediterranean cuisine. It's becoming more readily available these days, so check your local fishmonger or even the seafood counter at larger supermarkets like Waitrose or Tesco.

If you can't find it, sea bass or snapper would be reasonable substitutes - think of it as a pinch hitter situation!

How do I know when my baked branzino recipe is cooked through? I don't want it to be dry!

Nobody wants dry fish! The key is to look for flakiness. Gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the branzino; if the flesh separates easily and is opaque throughout, it's done. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Remember, it's always better to slightly undercook rather than overcook fish, as it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.

Can I prepare this branzino recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely get a head start! Prepare the herb mixture and stuff the fish with lemon and herbs up to a few hours in advance. Cover it with cling film and store in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven.

However, I wouldn't recommend doing this more than 4 hours ahead as the lemon juice can start to "cook" the fish.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this branzino recipe?

This baked branzino is fantastic with a variety of sides! Think Mediterranean vibes: roasted asparagus with Parmesan, a vibrant quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta, or even some simple roasted potatoes would be lovely.

A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would also be a perfect pairing - cheers!

I'm trying to eat healthier. What are the nutritional benefits of this branzino recipe?

Branzino is a great choice for a healthy meal! It's packed with lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. It's also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Plus, the lemon and herbs add extra vitamins and antioxidants, so you can feel good about what you're eating.

Can I use different herbs with this branzino recipe? I'm not a huge fan of oregano.

Absolutely! Cooking is all about making things your own. If oregano isn't your cup of tea, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill. Just use roughly the same amount to maintain the flavour balance.

You could even throw in a little fresh basil at the end for a burst of freshness - go wild and make it your own signature dish!