How to Grill and Eat a Whole Branzino: A Step-by-Step Guide
Meet Branzino—the white-fleshed fish with the delicate, flaky, un-fishy flavor, and a thin skin that crisps up beautifully. Mediterranean chefs love to grill it whole to keep it moist and flavorful, and serve it alfresco with a cliffside view of the summer sunset over the sea. Want to bring some of that Italian coastal vibe to your summer cooking? It’s easier than you think. So let’s get grilling.
STEP 1
Preheat your grill: high. Dry your fish all over with paper towels. This will help it brown and also help keep it from sticking to the grill.
STEP 2
Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut off any fins.
STEP 3
Season the fish inside and out with olive oil, salt and pepper.
STEP 4
Score three slits into the skin on each side, using care to avoid cutting through to the flesh.
STEP 5
If you like, stuff the cavity with a few lemon slices and herb sprigs and wrap the fish with kitchen twine to hold it all together.
STEP 6
Clean your grill grates and oil them generously. Oiling is essential to minimize sticking.
STEP 7
Place prepared Branzino onto the grill and leave it undisturbed for 5-7 minutes while the skin browns and crisps.
STEP 8
Carefully flip the fish over. You can do this with a spatula, tongs gripping the head, or to be on the safe side, use both. After turning, cook fish for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from grill and let the fish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
STEP 9
Either present the fish whole on a platter (very dramatic!) or remove the bones and serve the filets all ready to eat. Here’s how to bone and eat your branzino gracefully:
Start on one side: Use a knife and fork to gently peel away the skin if you don’t want to eat it (though it's delicious when crisp!).
Flake the flesh off the top half using your fork, working from head to tail.
Watch for small bones, especially near the belly and dorsal fin.
Once you've eaten the top half, lift the backbone gently from the tail end and remove it in one piece.
Eat the bottom fillet the same way.
Final Step: Enjoy
Grilling branzino is a simple way to make a meal feel special. With its tender flesh and crisped skin, it’s a perfect centerpiece for a summer dinner—and easier to prepare than you might think. Branzino is great on its own with a squeeze of fresh lemon, but it’s also fantastic with chimichurri, flavored butter, herbed or arugula pesto, or a simple cream sauce.
Pour a chilled glass of white wine, dig in with friends, and immerse yourself in the Mediterranean moment!