What is Greek-Style Roasted Branzino Recipe?
Branzino, also known as Mediterranean sea bass, is a popular fish in Mediterranean cuisine. It is a lean and flavorful fish that is often roasted or grilled and served with various herbs and spices. This Greek-style roasted Branzino recipe is seasoned with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, giving it a bold and delicious flavor.
Greek-Style Roasted Branzino Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 whole Branzino gutted and scaled
- 3 lemons, sliced
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
PREHEAT YOUR OVEN TO 400°F
- This step is important as it ensures that the fish will cook evenly. Make sure to preheat your oven before you start preparing the fish.
CLEAN AND GUT THE BRANZINO
- Branzino is a type of Mediterranean sea bass, a popular dish in Greek cuisine. Cleaning and gutting the fish is an essential step in preparing this dish. Start by removing the scales and cleaning the inside of the fish to remove any unwanted parts.
IN A SMALL BOWL, MIX THE MINCED GARLIC, OREGANO, OLIVE OIL, SALT, AND PEPPER TO MAKE A MARINADE
- In this step, you will create a flavorful marinade by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl. The garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper combine to provide a rich, Mediterranean flavor to the fish.
PLACE THE LEMON SLICES IN THE CAVITY OF EACH FISH AND RUB THE MARINADE OVER THE SKIN
- This step will help infuse the fish with flavor and keep it moist during cooking. Start by placing a few lemon slices in the cavity of each fish. Then, take the marinade and rub it all over the fish's skin to ensure it is well-coated.
PLACE THE FISH IN A BAKING DISH AND BAKE IN THE OVEN FOR 20-25 MINUTES
- Place the fish in a baking dish and put it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked. To check for doneness, gently flake the flesh with a fork and make sure it's cooked through and opaque.
SERVE THE ROASTED BRANZINO WITH A SQUEEZE OF FRESH LEMON JUICE AND A SIDE OF ROASTED VEGETABLES OR A SIMPLE SALAD
- Finally, once the fish is done cooking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Tips and Tricks for Making Greek-Style Roasted Branzino Recipe
Following these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and perfectly roasted Greek-style Branzino that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Seasoning the Fish
Seasoning is key when it comes to making Greek-style roasted Branzino. Before cooking, it’s important to season the fish inside and outside with a mixture of salt, pepper, lemon juice, and dried oregano. This will enhance the fish’s flavor and help create a crispy skin.
Using a Hot Oven
A hot oven is essential for achieving a crispy skin and cooking the fish evenly. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before cooking the Branzino to ensure that it cooks evenly and the skin becomes crispy.
Basting the Fish: Basting the fish with olive oil and lemon juice during cooking helps to keep the flesh moist and adds extra flavor. Use a pastry brush to baste the fish every 10-15 minutes while it’s cooking.
Wrapping the Fish
Another trick for making Greek-style roasted Branzino is to wrap the fish in parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and prevent the fish from drying out. To wrap the fish, place it in the center of a large piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil and fold up the edges to create a sealed pouch.
Adding Vegetables
Adding vegetables to the baking dish is easy to make your Greek-style roasted Branzino into a complete meal. Add sliced vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the baking dish around the fish and cook everything together. The vegetables will absorb the flavors of the fish and create a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Adding Stuffed Cavity With Fresh Herbs
Stuffed cavities add an extra burst of flavor to your Greek-style roasted Branzino. Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil can be used to stuff the cavity of the fish. Simply clean the inside of the fish and stuff it with a handful of fresh herbs. The herbs will release their flavor as the fish cooks and infuse it with a bright, fresh taste.
Nutrition Information for Greek-Style Roasted Branzino Recipe
Greek-Style Roasted Branzino is a healthy meal. It is a source of various nutrients. Here are some of the nutrients:
* CALORIES: This is the amount of energy the serving provides, with 582 kcal per serving.
* CARBOHYDRATES: There are 8g of carbohydrates in the serving, which is the body’s main energy source.
* MONOUNSATURATED FAT: Like polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat is also considered a “good” fat and has been shown to impact heart health positively. The 4g of monounsaturated fat in the Branzino is a source of this fat.
* PROTEIN: The serving contains 102g of protein, essential for building and repairing muscles, skin, and bones.
* FAT: There are 13g of fat in the serving, an important energy source that helps the body absorb vitamins.
* SATURATED FAT: 3g refers to the amount of saturated fat in the serving. Saturated fat is the type of fat that is solid at room temperature and is considered less healthy than unsaturated fats.
* POLYUNSATURATED FAT: This type of fat is considered a “good” fat because it can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. The 5g of polyunsaturated fat in the Branzino provides a small but significant amount of this fat.
* CHOLESTEROL: Cholesterol is the fat found in animal-based foods, including meat, dairy products, and eggs. It is important to monitor cholesterol intake as high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Branzino contains 454mg.
Final Thought
This Greek-style roasted Branzino recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil creates a bold and flavorful taste, while the simple cooking method makes it an accessible dish for any home cook. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in your kitchen.
