There’s something almost magical about the way the Mediterranean sun kisses the sea, and that same magic finds its way into the dishes born from those shores. Branzino, also known as European sea bass, is one of those ingredients that immediately transports you to a coastal village where the scent of fresh herbs, salt air, and roasting fish drift from kitchen windows.

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Growing up, summer vacations meant visiting my grandmother’s small seaside town, where freshly caught fish would arrive at the market before sunrise. Meals were simple but bursting with flavor, often involving little more than fresh herbs, olive oil, and the bright, bracing zest of a lemon plucked right from the tree. Baked Branzino with Mediterranean Herbs and Lemon was always a centerpiece dish, meant for sharing and savoring over laughter and long conversations. It’s a recipe soaked in sun, sea, and family traditions—a true celebration of how beautiful simple food can be.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a nourishing, feel-good meal, this recipe brings all the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Simple and Elegant: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor—perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Fresh and Healthy: High in protein and packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
Aromatic and Flavorful: The lemon and herbs infuse the tender fish with a bright, savory aroma.
Show-stopping Presentation: Whole baked fish always looks impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

2 whole Branzino (cleaned and gutted)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon (sliced into thin rounds)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh oregano
2 cloves garlic (sliced)
Extra lemon wedges for serving

HOW TO MAKE Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). There’s something cozy about the smell of a warm oven waiting for something delicious to bake. I usually use this time to slice my lemon and pick my herbs, soaking up their fresh, earthy scents.

Step 2: Prep the Fish

Pat your Branzino dry with paper towels. This helps the skin roast up slightly crispy and ensures the seasoning clings well. Place your fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish.

Step 3: Season with Love

Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the fish, gently massaging it into the skin. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Then comes the fun part: stuff the inside of each fish with a few lemon slices, a sprig each of rosemary, thyme, and oregano, and a few slices of garlic. It’s like tucking in a little aromatic bouquet.

Step 4: Arrange and Roast

Lay a few extra lemon slices on top of the fish for extra zest and beauty. Slide your tray into the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your fish. You’ll know it’s ready when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer your beautiful branzino to a serving platter, scatter some extra lemon wedges around, and drizzle with a bit more olive oil if you like. The simple, rustic look is part of the charm.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Pat Dry: Always dry your fish before seasoning to get better flavor and texture.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano make a huge difference in taste and aroma.
Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes. Fish can go from perfect to dry pretty quickly.
Check for Bones: Branzino has few bones, but it’s worth a quick check before serving if you have kids or guests unfamiliar with whole fish.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten-Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free

NOTES:

You can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Just use a larger baking tray and make sure the fish aren’t overlapping.

If you can’t find fresh Branzino, you could substitute with other white fish like snapper or trout.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per Serving)

Calories: 310
Protein: 38g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen Branzino?

Yes! Just thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking, and pat it dry very well.

Do I have to bake it whole?

Baking the fish whole keeps it juicy and flavorful, but if you’re more comfortable with fillets, you can adapt the recipe. Just reduce the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes.

What sides go well with it?

A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple couscous make perfect, easy sides.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 2 days. To reheat, place it in a low oven (around 300°F) until just warmed through, so it doesn’t dry out.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other fresh and delicious Mediterranean dishes:

CONCLUSION

There’s a special kind of joy in bringing simple, beautiful ingredients together to create something extraordinary. Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Baked Branzino is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or a laundry list of ingredients to make an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to the coast or just craving a taste of sunshine, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites. Gather your herbs, slice your lemon, and let’s bake up a little Mediterranean magic together!