Description
The easiest method for grilled branzino with crispy skin and moist, flaky fish. Simple ingredients, foolproof technique, ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (1- to 1 1/4 pound) whole branzino, cleaned and scaled
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4-6 sprigs fresh dill
Instructions
- Prep the grill: Preheat grill to high heat (425-450°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Prep the lemon: Slice 3 rounds from the lemon, then cut each round in half. Reserve the remaining lemon half for grilling.
- Season and stuff: Season the inside cavity of each branzino with salt and pepper. Stuff 3 lemon halves and 2-3 sprigs of dill into each fish cavity. Drizzle the outside with olive oil and season with salt.
- Grill: Place fish and reserved lemon half (cut-side down) on the hot grill. Grill for 8-10 minutes on first side. Before flipping, test with a grill fork to ensure the skin releases easily. If it sticks, give it another minute. Once flipped, grill another 8 minutes. Fish is done when flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve whole or filleted with a drizzle of olive oil and the grilled lemon half for squeezing.
Notes
- Oil those grates: This is critical. A well-oiled grill prevents sticking and ensures that gorgeous crispy skin.
- Don't rush the flip: If the skin sticks when you test it, give it another minute. The fish will release when it's ready.
- Room temperature matters: Take fish out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
- Herb options: I've stuffed branzino with thyme, rosemary and even scallions. They all work. But fresh dill infuses an incredible amount of flavor into the fish as it grills. Use what you have, but if you can get dill, it's absolutely worth it.
- Indoor option: This works on a grill pan over high heat, though you'll get more smoke indoors so crank up your exhaust fan!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Easy Recipe
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 416
- Sugar: 3.6 g
- Sodium: 1257.8 mg
- Fat: 20.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 52.6 g
- Protein: 10.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg