Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Branzino is a beautifully simple dish that highlights fresh ingredients and clean Mediterranean flavors. This mild, flaky white fish grills quickly and absorbs herbs, olive oil, and citrus exceptionally well, making it both elegant and approachable. I love this recipe because it feels restaurant-worthy while being surprisingly easy to prepare at home. The skin becomes lightly crisp on the grill, while the flesh stays tender and juicy inside. Grilled branzino is perfect for warm-weather meals, dinner parties, or anytime you want a light yet satisfying dish that does not feel heavy. Paired with fresh vegetables, salad, or roasted potatoes, it creates a balanced and impressive meal with minimal effort. If you enjoy seafood that lets freshness shine, grilled branzino is a must-try recipe.
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Grilled Branzino – Simple, Fresh, and Mediterranean
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Light, fresh, and flavorful Grilled Branzino with crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh, finished with lemon, olive oil, and herbs for a simple Mediterranean-style dish.
Ingredients
- 2 whole branzino (sea bass), cleaned and scaled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Pat branzino dry and score each side with shallow cuts.
- Rub fish inside and out with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff cavity with lemon slices, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Place fish directly on grill and cook 4–5 minutes per side until skin is crisp and flesh flakes easily.
- Remove from grill and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish with extra herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a fish basket for easier flipping.
- Do not overcook—branzino cooks quickly.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Whole branzino provides mild flavor and tender, flaky flesh.
Olive oil adds richness and prevents sticking on the grill.
Lemon slices bring brightness and fresh acidity.
Fresh garlic enhances aroma and savory depth.
Fresh parsley adds herbaceous freshness.
Fresh thyme or oregano provides classic Mediterranean flavor.
Salt enhances the natural taste of the fish.
Black pepper adds gentle seasoning.
Optional red pepper flakes add subtle heat.
Optional additional lemon wedges are used for serving.
Directions
Begin by preparing the branzino. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Make shallow diagonal slits on both sides of the fish to help it cook evenly and absorb flavor.
Drizzle the fish generously with olive oil, then season inside and out with salt and black pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, garlic, parsley, and thyme or oregano.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the fish directly on the grill and cook until the skin releases easily and develops grill marks. Carefully flip and grill the other side until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Remove from the grill and allow the fish to rest briefly. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and grilling time is about 12 to 15 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover grilled branzino in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold over salad. Avoid overheating to preserve texture.
Variations and Customizations
Grilled Branzino is easy to customize while keeping its Mediterranean character. For extra flavor, add sliced fennel or onion to the cavity along with the herbs. I tested this recipe with fennel, and it added a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the fish.
You can also brush the fish with garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer finish. For a smoky twist, add lemon zest and smoked paprika before grilling.
If you do not have a grill, this recipe works well on a grill pan or broiled in the oven. These variations allow flexibility while maintaining the fresh, clean appeal of the dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein (g) | 34 |
| Carbs (g) | 2 |
| Fat (g) | 18 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 3 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 380 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Dry the fish well
Dry skin helps prevent sticking on the grill.
Oil both fish and grill
This ensures easy flipping and clean release.
Do not overflip
Let the fish cook fully on one side before turning.
Use fresh herbs
Fresh herbs provide the best aroma and flavor.
FAQs
What does branzino taste like?
Branzino has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with tender flesh.
Can I grill branzino fillets instead of whole fish?
Yes, but whole fish retains moisture better on the grill.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes, use a grill pan or broil in the oven.
What should I serve with grilled branzino?
Salads, grilled vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes pair well.
Is branzino healthy?
Yes, it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Conclusion
Grilled Branzino is a fresh, elegant dish that showcases the beauty of simple cooking and quality ingredients. With its mild flavor, crisp skin, and tender flesh, it is perfect for Mediterranean-style meals that feel light, satisfying, and effortlessly impressive.
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