Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 whole branzino (approximately 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 1 lemon, halved (with one half reserved for grilling)
- Assorted fresh herbs (like parsley, cilantro, thyme, or basil)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
Herb Olive Oil:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (choose parsley, basil, or cilantro), finely chopped (thick stems removed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation of Branzino: Request your fishmonger to clean, de-scale, and de-gut the branzino. Once home, pat the fish dry thoroughly using paper towels.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor or indoor grill to a high setting.
- Season and Stuff the Fish: Sprinkle the inside of each fish cavity with salt and pepper. Add 2-3 lemon slices (consider halving them if too large) and a few sprigs of your chosen herbs.
- Olive Oil Coating: Generously brush olive oil on the outside of each fish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grilling the Branzino: Place the stuffed fish on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes on one side until the skin has a nice char. Carefully turn the fish and grill the other side for another 5 minutes or until the fish appears opaque.
- Grilling the Lemon: While the fish is resting, place the reserved lemon half on the grill. Grill until it achieves light char marks.
- Prepare Herb Olive Oil: In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped herbs, olive oil, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
- Serving the Fish: Lay the grilled fish on its back on a platter and gently remove the lemon slices and herbs from inside. Use a fork to open the fish, exposing the fillets. The spine should come off smoothly. If preferred, use a pairing knife to remove the head and tail. Drizzle the fish fillets with the herb olive oil and finish with a squeeze from the grilled lemon.
Notes
Remember to be mindful of the small bones when enjoying your branzino. This dish pairs well with a light salad or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fish
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 85mg