How To Bake The Best Mediterranean Branzino

Cooking With Claudy

Video Stats

Host: Cooking With Claudy
Published: Jun 30, 2025
Views: 1.6k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 2

Overview

This Mediterranean Branzino recipe is a delightful way to enjoy fish with a burst of flavor. The combination of olive oil, sumac, and spices creates a marinade that seeps into the fish, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. Scoring the fish is a crucial step, allowing the marinade to penetrate deeply, which enhances the overall flavor and ensures a moist texture.

The addition of cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives not only complements the fish but also adds a colorful presentation to the dish. Baking it at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes results in perfectly cooked fish with crispy skin. The accompanying lemon sauce, made with olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic, elevates the dish further, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dinner table.

This recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about creating a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this Mediterranean Branzino is sure to impress. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the vibrant flavors makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:34

Gather all ingredients needed for the recipe.

2
00:47

Add olive oil, sumac, black pepper, salt, paprika, chili flakes, oregano, and garlic powder into a bowl and mix.

3
01:11

Rub the marinade all over the fish.

4
01:15

Score the fish on both sides.

01:20

Tip: Score the fish to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.

5
01:41

Part dry the fish to remove excess water.

01:44

Tip: Part dry the fish to remove excess moisture for better marinade absorption.

6
02:25

Set the marinated fish aside.

7
02:37

Add cherry tomatoes, carrots, and Kalamata olives to a baking dish.

8
02:53

Drizzle olive oil and add a pinch of salt to the vegetables.

9
03:01

Mix the vegetables in the baking dish.

10
03:05

Place the marinated fish on top of the mixed vegetables.

11
03:15

Bake the dish in the oven.

03:22

Tip: Bake the fish at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes for optimal cooking.

12
03:36

In a bowl, add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and parsley.

13
04:01

Add black pepper and salt to the sauce.

14
04:10

Shake or stir the sauce until well combined.

04:12

Tip: Whisk or stir the sauce until well combined for a uniform flavor.

15
04:30

Pour the lemon sauce over the baked fish and serve immediately.

Ingredients

Serves: 2
Cherry Tomatoes1 cup
Kalamata Olives1/2 cup
Lemon Juice2 tbsp
Garlic Powder1 tsp
Sumac1 tsp
Black Pepper1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Paprika1 tsp
Chili Flakes1 tsp
Oregano1 tsp
Parsley1/4 cup

Nutrition

Calories
350
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
10
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Scoring the fish allows the marinade to penetrate deeper, enhancing flavor.
  • Branzino is a popular Mediterranean fish known for its mild flavor and flaky texture.
  • Using fresh herbs like parsley in the sauce adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
  • Baking fish at 400°F ensures a crispy skin while keeping the flesh moist.