Grilled Branzino
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
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Prep Time:15 Minutes
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Cook Time:PT30M15 Minutes
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Yield:2 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 whole branzino (plain or pre-stuffed)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon slices and herb sprigs (parsley, thyme, tarragon, dill etc.)
- 2 whole branzino (plain or pre-stuffed)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon slices and herb sprigs (parsley, thyme, tarragon, dill etc.)
Branzino, also known as European seabass, is a mild delicate white fish that is typically served whole per person (or shared by 2 small eaters). It’s a staple in the Mediterranean diet, but you can enjoy it in your own home!
Preparation
STEP 1
Preheat grill to high heat.
STEP 2
Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife cut any fins off from the fish.
STEP 3
Dry fish all over with paper towels. This will help the fish brown as well as not stick to the grill.
STEP 4
Score three slits into the skin on each side of the fish, being sure not to cut through to the flesh.
STEP 5
Season fish all over outside and in the cavity with olive oil, salt and pepper.
STEP 6
If fish is unstuffed, you can fill the cavity yourself with a few lemon slices and herb sprigs. Wrap a few pieces of kitchen twine around the fish to help the filling stay intact.
STEP 7
Clean and oil grill grates very well. This is essential in helping the fish not stick.
STEP 8
Place prepared Branzino onto the grill. Leave undisturbed for 5-7 minutes while skin browns and crisps.
STEP 9
Carefully flip fish with either a spatula, tongs gripping the head, or even both!
STEP 10
Cook fish for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. Remove from grill and let the fish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
STEP 11
Either serve fish to the guest whole or remove the filets (and bones) off the body and serve them ready to eat.
Options
Branzino is great on its own with a squeeze of fresh lemon, but if you desire a sauce try with chimichurri, flavored butter, herbed or arugula pesto, or a simple cream sauce.
Branzino is also delicious, pan roasted. Same process, but rather than the grill cook the fish in a hot medium-high heat oven safe pan coated with olive oil for 5-7 minutes per side to brown the skin and finish in a 425°F oven for about 10 minutes until fish is cooked through.