Greek-Style Roasted Branzino: Whole Mediterranean Sea Bass with Lemon, Garlic & Herbs

Greek-Style Roasted Branzino is a cornerstone of coastal Greek cuisine—simple, elegant, and driven by pristine ingredients. Branzino (also known as Mediterranean sea bass) is prized for its mild, sweet flesh and delicate texture, making it ideal for roasting whole with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.

This classic preparation highlights the Mediterranean philosophy: let high-quality ingredients speak for themselves. The result is a restaurant-worthy dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

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What Is Branzino?

Branzino is a European sea bass commonly found throughout the Mediterranean Sea. In Greece, it is often called lavraki and is served grilled or roasted whole.

Why Branzino Is Ideal for Roasting

• Mild, clean flavor
• Tender white flesh
• Cooks quickly and evenly
• Pairs perfectly with lemon and olive oil

Whole roasted branzino is a staple in Greek tavernas, especially along the coast.

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Why You’ll Love This Greek-Style Branzino

• Authentic Greek flavor profile
• Minimal ingredients
• Naturally healthy and gluten-free
• Elegant enough for entertaining
• Ready in under 40 minutes

This dish delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.

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Classic Greek Flavor Profile

Traditional Greek branzino relies on just a few essential components:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice and slices
• Garlic
• Oregano or thyme
• Sea salt and black pepper

Optional additions like fennel, tomatoes, or capers may appear, but simplicity remains the hallmark.

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Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

• 2 whole branzino (1–1½ lbs each), cleaned and scaled
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 lemons (sliced and juiced)

Aromatics

• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or thyme
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Seasoning

• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Additions

• Fennel slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Capers

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How to Prepare Branzino for Roasting

1. Ask your fishmonger to scale, gut, and clean the fish.
2. Rinse gently under cold water and pat completely dry.
3. Score the skin with shallow diagonal cuts on both sides—this helps even cooking and seasoning penetration.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a large roasting pan.

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Step 2: Season the Fish

Rub branzino inside and out with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices, garlic, and herbs.

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Step 3: Assemble the Pan

Place fish in the roasting pan. Scatter additional lemon slices, garlic, and optional vegetables around the fish. Drizzle generously with olive oil and lemon juice.

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Step 4: Roast

Roast uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

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Step 5: Optional Broil

For extra crisp skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.

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How to Know When Branzino Is Done

• Flesh turns opaque and flakes easily
• Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
• Eyes are opaque and skin lightly blistered

Avoid overcooking—branzino cooks quickly.

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Why Roasting Whole Fish Works So Well

Roasting whole branzino:

• Protects delicate flesh
• Enhances moisture retention
• Develops richer flavor
• Creates dramatic presentation

It’s easier than filleting and yields superior results.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking: Dry fish loses its charm
Not drying the skin: Prevents crisping
Under-seasoning: Whole fish needs generous salt
Skipping scoring: Leads to uneven cooking

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What to Serve with Greek Branzino

Classic Greek pairings include:

• Greek salad (Horiatiki)
• Roasted potatoes with lemon
• Steamed greens with olive oil
• Tzatziki or skordalia
• Warm pita or crusty bread

Keep sides fresh and simple.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead

Prep fish and aromatics up to 4 hours ahead; refrigerate uncovered.

Storage

Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep 1–2 days refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat gently at 300°F, covered loosely.

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Nutritional Benefits

• High-quality lean protein
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Low in carbohydrates
• Heart-healthy Mediterranean fats

This dish fits perfectly into a Mediterranean diet.

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Recipe Variations

Greek Lemon-Oregano Branzino

Add extra oregano and lemon zest.

Fennel & Tomato Branzino

Roast fish over sliced fennel and cherry tomatoes.

Garlic-Caper Branzino

Scatter capers before roasting for briny depth.

Grilled Branzino

Use the same seasoning and grill over medium heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use fillets instead of whole fish?
Yes, but whole fish provides better moisture and flavor.

Q2: Can I substitute another fish?
Yes—sea bream, snapper, or trout work well.

Q3: Do I eat the skin?
Yes—crispy branzino skin is delicious.

Q4: Is branzino sustainable?
Farmed branzino is generally considered a sustainable choice.

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Why This Greek-Style Branzino Recipe Works

• Authentic Greek preparation
• Foolproof roasting method
• Minimal ingredients
• Elegant yet approachable
• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining

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Conclusion

Greek-Style Roasted Branzino is a celebration of Mediterranean simplicity. With crisp skin, tender flesh, and bright lemon-garlic flavor, this dish captures everything that makes Greek coastal cuisine so beloved. Whether served for a light family dinner or an elegant gathering, roasted branzino delivers timeless flavor with effortless sophistication.

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