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Recipe Series

Branzino

The word bass is common in the fish kingdom. Freshwater bass–largemouth, smallmouth, shoal, redeye, spotted, and others–are the most pursued inland game fish of America (just tune into any fishing program until your eyes start to close). Along with striped bass, sea bass is the most important commercial bass. Its firm flesh makes it especially suitable for frying, steaming, broiling, or roasting whole. And its relatively simple bone structure-similar to that of grouper or red snapper–makes it easy to eat. Branzino over the years has become one of the most sought fish, being found in markets and restaurants across the country.

Source

Mediterranean Area , Europe (Farmed)

Forms

Fillets, Whole Fish

Taste

Sweet mild to moderate.

Texture

Tender and firm.

 

Nutrition

2.5g per 3oz. Serving

0.5g saturated fat

45mg cholesterol

75mg sodium

21g protein

0 carbohydrates

Cooking

All.

 

Recipes

Branzino with Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette

Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1 lb. whole Branzino scaled & gutted
  • ¼ cup dry white wine or sherry
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Several sprigs fresh oregano
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp onion minced
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a gas grill or the broiler, or start a charcoal fire; Heat should be medium high.
  • Rinse the fish with wine, and let it sit for a few minutes a mixture of the wine, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and sprigs of oregano.
  • Make the vinaigrette by whisking or shaking together the olive oil, most of the lemon juice, herbs, onion, salt, and pepper.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice if necessary.
  • Grill or broil the fish until nicely charred on each side, about 8 to 10 minutes total.
  • If you grill, use a fish basket or move the fish around on the grill to keep it from sticking.
  • If you broil, base once or twice with the pan juices.
  • Serve immediately, with vinaigrette.

Grilled or Boiled Branzino with Citrus Sauce

Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lemon
  • 1 orange
  • 1 grapefruit
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 small onion minced
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 Whole Branzino scaled & gutted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a gas grill or the broiler, or start a charcoal fire; Heat should be medium-high.
  • Zest the lemon and mince the zest; Section the lemon, orange, and grapefruit and place these sections in a small saucepan.
  • Stir in the olive oil, thyme, garlic, onion, salt, and a fair amount of pepper.
  • Season the fish, too.
  • Grill or broil the fish until nicely charred on each side, about 8 to 10 minutes total.
  • If you grill, use a fish basket or move the fish around on the grill to keep it from sticking.
  • While the fish is cooking, warm the citrus mixture gently; Do not boil.
  • When the fish is done, serve immediately with the citrus sauce.