Best Easy Branzino al Forno Recipe

Whole sea bass roasted with herbs and lemon is a quintessential mediterranean family dinner. This high protein fish dish is fresh, healthy, and ideal for a dash diet or lower cholesterol plan.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#mediterranean #DASH #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • whole branzino (sea bass), cleaned 2 pieces
  • fresh rosemary sprigs 4 pieces
  • fresh thyme sprigs 6 pieces
  • lemon, sliced 1 pieces
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 4 g 8%
Protein 29 g 55%
Fat 9 g 37%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F, ensuring the rack is set in the middle position.

  2. 2

    Pat the branzino dry inside and out with paper towels to remove surface moisture, then drizzle with olive oil.

  3. 3

    Season the fish cavity and exterior evenly with kosher salt and black pepper; stuff rosemary, thyme, and lemon slices inside the cavity.

  4. 4

    Place the branzino on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure the fish is spaced apart. Roast for 25–28 minutes until the flesh flakes easily and the skin is crisp.

  5. 5

    Rest the fish for 3–5 minutes after roasting; then serve warm, drizzling with pan juices and garnishing with extra fresh herbs or lemon if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The whole branzino (sea bass) is the centerpiece of this recipe, providing tender flesh and delicate flavor when roasted. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon amplify its natural sea freshness, making them essential for the dish's classic Mediterranean taste and aroma.
Q. How should I control oven heat for optimal results?
Roasting at 400°F ensures that the branzino cooks through while yielding crisp skin. Placing the oven rack in the middle prevents scorching and promotes even heat distribution. Check for flakiness at 25 minutes, adjusting the time if your fish is larger or smaller.
Q. What's the secret to moist, tender branzino and avoiding dryness?
Drying the fish thoroughly before seasoning, then roasting it just until the flesh flakes easily, preserves moisture. Overcooking leads to dry texture; always allow the fish to rest for 3–5 minutes after roasting, which redistributes juices for a more succulent bite.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each 180g serving contains about 210 kcal, with 29g protein (55% of calories) and just 4g carbohydrates (8%). This makes it an excellent high-protein option for those monitoring carb intake or aiming for a balanced DASH diet.
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