Greek Roasted Branzino Recipe

Irresistible Greek Roasted Branzino Recipe for Fish Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts adore this simple yet elegant greek roasted branzino recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen.

Branzino, a delicate white fish, shines when prepared with classic Greek herbs and olive oil.

The crispy skin and tender flesh create a stunning centerpiece for any dinner gathering.

Bright lemon and fragrant oregano infuse each succulent bite with authentic coastal charm.

Fresh herbs and quality ingredients make this dish both impressive and approachable for home cooks.

Simple techniques transform this fish into a restaurant-worthy meal that celebrates clean, bright Mediterranean cooking.

You’ll be transported to a sunny Greek island with every delicious forkful.

Easy Mediterranean Fish: Why It’s a Family Favorite

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up a gourmet Mediterranean fish dish with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for home chefs wanting to impress.
  • Healthy Flavor Explosion: Packed with lean protein, bright citrus notes, and fresh herbs, this recipe delivers nutritious eating without sacrificing taste.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable for different fish types and easily customizable with seasonal ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy households.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-pan cooking method means less washing up, allowing more time to enjoy your delicious creation without dreading kitchen cleanup.

Everything for Easy Mediterranean Fish

Main Protein:
  • Whole Fish: Fresh, mild-flavored fish perfect for Mediterranean cooking.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Lemon: Provide internal flavor and moisture to the fish cavity.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance the fish's natural taste.
  • Dill: Fresh herb that adds bright, delicate flavor to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Egg Yolk: Components for creating traditional ladolemono sauce.
Topping:
  • Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes to add color and fresh flavor to the final dish.

How to Make Easy Mediterranean Fish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F and position the rack right in the center of the oven, creating the perfect cooking environment for your Mediterranean fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Grab your fresh fish and gently pat it dry with paper towels.

With a sharp knife, carefully create two slits on each side of the fish, which will help seasonings penetrate and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Season the Fish

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously inside the slits and throughout the fish cavity, giving it a delicious flavor boost that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Fill the Cavity

Stuff the fish cavity with fresh ingredients:
  • Sliced onion
  • Lemon wedges

These will infuse the fish with aromatic, zesty flavors during cooking.

Step 5: Initial Roasting

Place the fish in the oven and roast for about 5 minutes per side.

The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork, showing it’s perfectly cooked through.

Step 6: Create a Crispy Exterior

Switch your oven to broil and let the fish char for 3-4 minutes.

This step will give the fish a beautiful golden-brown crispy skin that adds texture and depth.

Step 7: Whip Up the Sauce

While the fish is cooking, prepare the ladolemono sauce, a classic Greek emulsion of olive oil and lemon that will elevate your dish.

Step 8: Plate with Flair

Carefully transfer the fish to a beautiful serving platter and drizzle the ladolemono sauce over the top, allowing the sauce to mingle with the fish.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touches

Garnish the fish with:
  • Seasoned fresh tomatoes
  • Chopped dill

These final touches will add color, freshness, and an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor to your dish.

Mediterranean Fish – Tips for Tasty Results

  • Use paper towels to pat fish completely dry, ensuring crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
  • Make diagonal slits on each side to help seasonings penetrate deeper and promote even cooking.
  • Select fresh, high-quality whole fish like sea bass or red snapper for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
  • Gently press fish; it should flake easily and appear opaque white when fully cooked, indicating perfect tenderness.
  • Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning, aiming for golden-brown char without drying out the fish.

Mediterranean Fish – Recipe Variations

  • Low-Sodium Mediterranean Fish: Replace salt with herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for flavor without sodium. Use low-sodium alternatives to maintain taste profile.
  • Gluten-Free Mediterranean Fish: Ensure all ingredients like ladolemono sauce are gluten-free. Check labels carefully and substitute any wheat-based components.
  • Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Fish: Cover fish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, mint, and basil before roasting. Add breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture.
  • Grilled Mediterranean Fish: Skip oven method and grill fish directly on barbecue. Maintain similar seasoning and sauce techniques for authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Mediterranean Fish – Simple Serving Ideas

  • Seaside Plating Paradise: Arrange the delicate fish on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges scattered around for a Mediterranean restaurant feel.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve ladolemono sauce in a small ceramic bowl beside the fish, allowing guests to drizzle extra sauce as they prefer.
  • Fresh Accompaniment Spread: Pair with a crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to complement the fish's light, zesty flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the seafood's delicate taste.

Storing Easy Mediterranean Fish Dishes

  • Wrap leftover fish tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
  • Place cooled fish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months without losing significant flavor.
  • Warm gently in the oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.
  • Keep cooked fish in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Always check for any off-odors or discoloration before reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sea bass, red snapper, or branzino. Choose fresh, whole fish with similar size and thickness for best results.

  • How do I know if the fish is fully cooked?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque white throughout. Internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

  • What is ladolemono sauce?

Ladolemono is a classic Greek sauce made with olive oil, lemon juice, and sometimes eggs. It’s light, tangy, and perfect for seafood dishes.

  • Do I need special cooking skills to make this recipe?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. Following the steps carefully and using fresh ingredients will help you create a delicious Mediterranean-style fish dish.

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Greek Roasted Branzino Recipe

Greek Roasted Branzino Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent Mediterranean Greek Roasted Branzino brings coastal charm straight to dinner tables with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Delicate fish roasted to perfection promises a simple yet elegant dining experience for seafood enthusiasts eager to explore Greek culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) whole branzino, cleaned
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Herbs and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ladolemono sauce recipe

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure even cooking.
  2. Carefully pat the fish completely dry using paper towels, then create two diagonal slits on each side to allow for even seasoning and cooking.
  3. Generously season the interior of the fish’s cavity and the slits with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
  4. Gently stuff the fish cavity with thinly sliced onion rounds and fresh lemon wedges to infuse aromatic citrus and sweet onion notes.
  5. Place the prepared fish in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 5 minutes per side, checking that the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a crispy, slightly charred exterior.
  7. While the fish is cooking, quickly prepare the ladolemono sauce, whisking together the ingredients until smooth and emulsified.
  8. Carefully transfer the roasted fish to a serving platter, delicately drizzling the prepared ladolemono sauce over the top.
  9. Garnish the fish with seasoned fresh tomato chunks and sprinkle with chopped dill for a vibrant, fresh Mediterranean finish.

Notes

  • Ensure fish is patted completely dry to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin during roasting.
  • Create strategic slits on fish sides to help seasoning penetrate deeper and cook more evenly.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for maximum flavor boost and authentic Mediterranean touch.
  • Adjust cooking time based on fish thickness – thicker fillets might require slightly longer roasting to cook through perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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