Whole Grilled Branzino Recipe – Overview
Who said preparing a whole fish should be left to professional chefs or only done on special occasions?
We are here to show you how to prepare a whole grilled branzino the Mediterranean way. It will surely transport you to your favorite Mediterranean seaside restaurant.
Follow our step-by-step guide to make this show-stopping branzino dish.
Mediterranean Whole Grilled Branzino Recipe
As many world-renowned chefs say, it is almost impossible to grill a whole fish and end up with dry and tasteless fish.
Here is why the skin and bones protect against direct heat and keep all the natural flavors intact compared to cutting your fish into fillets.
Plus, it looks more beautiful, making you look like a great cook.
Branzino is a fish that tastes remarkable. Its mild and flaky texture makes it perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or great to make the best home date night.
Frankly, this grilled branzino recipe can not be more accessible to prepare.
It’s all seasoned in one container and then directly transferred to the fire, so there is practically zero mess, which equals fewer dishes to wash.
Here is a fun fact about this grilled branzino recipe: you can quickly cook it in the oven at 350 F and get the same results. That’s it!
It is full of color and taste that will surely surprise your family and guests! But don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself and you will see.
Mediterranean Whole Grilled Branzino Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Whole branzino fish descaled, gutted and cleaned
- 4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 2 1/2 tsp. flaked red pepper
- 5 garlic cloves crushed
- 3 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil or olive oil
Instructions
- Slice two slits into the fish, parallel to the fish’s head on each side, making four cuts per fish.
- In a glass container large enough to fit the two fish, add salt, cumin, flaked red pepper, garlic, thyme, and vegetable oil, and mix until it becomes a paste-like texture.
- Take the first fish and pour the garlic and oil mixture all over it, ensuring both sides and insides are fully covered. Make sure to get some of the mixture in the slits.
- Repeat this step with the second fish.
- Rest your fish in the garlic and oil mixture in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This seasoning process can be extended for up to a day. The longer it sits with this mixture, the better your whole grilled branzino will taste.
- Prepare your charcoal grill or gas grill and heat it to medium-high.
- Transfer the fish from our mixture to the grill and cook for 30 minutes on each side using a spatula to flip. Do not move the fish before the 30 minutes are up. That way, nothing gets stuck.
- Prepare your platter with arugula and transfer your grilled branzino fish to the platter. Cut some fresh limes and garnish your plate. Bon Appétit!
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Nutrition
Talk about a win-win situation. Try this grilled branzino at home and let us know how it turns out!
