Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this flavorful and aromatic Greek-style roasted branzino recipe! Perfectly seasoned and roasted, this dish is a feast for the senses. Keep reading to learn how to recreate this delectable dish at home!
San Antonio is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. One afternoon, my friend and I found ourselves at a Middle Eastern restaurant on the outskirts of the city. Once we stepped inside, the restaurant transported us to another world, despite its unassuming exterior.
As we perused the menu, The friendly owner greeted us and recommended some of their most popular dishes. An Israeli young guy in the kitchen made the Greek-style roasted branzino, which stood out to us. We decided to give it a try, and it was truly a feast for the senses. The chef perfectly cooked the fish, giving it crispy skin and tender, flaky meat. The seasoning was simple but effective. The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs complemented the natural flavor of the fish.
While we were savoring our meal, we heard live music and saw a group of belly dancers making their way toward our table. The dancers were wearing brightly colored costumes and moving to the beat of the music, their hips swaying and their arms gracefully outstretched. The performance was mesmerizing, and we couldn’t take our eyes off the dancers as they moved around the restaurant.
After the performance, we thanked the dancers and the owner for the wonderful experience and prepared to leave the restaurant. However, before we could leave, I had to ask the owner for the recipe for the delicious branzino we had just eaten. I was curious about the ingredients and the cooking techniques that had gone into making such a flavorful and memorable dish.
To my surprise, the owner refused my request. He cited that the recipe was a closely guarded secret that had been passed down through generations of their family. Although disappointed, I understood and respected their decision. As we left the restaurant, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad that I wouldn’t be able to recreate the dish at home.
But as fate would have it, I decided to try to make the dish on my own. I researched various recipes online and experimented with different cooking techniques. Finally, I came up with a recipe that tastes similar to the one we had at the restaurant. The key was to keep the seasoning simple and let the natural flavor of the fish shine through. I also found that roasting the fish in the oven instead of pan-frying it resulted in a more evenly cooked and flavorful dish.
Greek-style roasted branzino is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The ingredients include whole branzino fish, lemon slices, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, freshly chopped dill, extra-virgin olive oil, and Kosher salt and black pepper. The dish is served with Ladolemono sauce, which is a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. The branzino is roasted until the skin is crispy and the flesh is flaky, and the dish is garnished with roasted vegetables and dill.
Greek-style roasted branzino is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some options to consider:
- Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers
- Greek salad with feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives
- Roasted potatoes with lemon and garlic
- Tzatziki sauce for dipping or as a side
- Rice pilaf with herbs and lemon zest
- Warm pita bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- A glass of crisp white wine or chilled ouzo for a true Greek experience
With these options, you can create a well-rounded meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a family dinner or entertaining guests, Greek-Style Roasted Branzino is a flavorful and impressive dish that will leave everyone satisfied.
Here is how I create the delectable Greek-style roasted branzino.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound whole branzino fish with the head and tail still attached, you could use a whole striped bass if you want
- 1/2 lemon cut into circular slices
- 1/2 red onion sliced.
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1/2 cup of freshly chopped dill.
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 Ladolemono sauce
How to cook the Greek-style roasted branzino?
- Start by drying the branzino and cutting two slits in it, one on each side. Generously season it with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides of the fish as well as inside its cavity and through the slits. Put half a sliced lemon and half a sliced red onion inside the cavity of the fish, then lay it on a lightly oiled baking tray.
- Roast the branzino in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F on the center rack for 5 minutes on one side, then turn it over and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flaky. After preparing the branzino, place it under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin chars.
- As the branzino is roasting, prepare the Ladolemono sauce. Start by combining lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gradually add extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to thicken and emulsify the sauce.
- Transfer the cooked branzino to a platter and pour some of the Ladolemono sauce over it, including into the cavity. Add a cup of cherry tomato halves to your fish dish and season with salt. If you’d like, pour more Ladolemono over the tomatoes and top off with some freshly chopped dill. Serve the meal straight away.
One unique twist to this recipe would be to substitute the cherry tomatoes with grilled stone fruit, such as peaches or nectarines. This would add a touch of sweetness to the dish and complement the savory flavors of the branzino. Additionally, you could infuse the Ladolemono sauce with some fresh herbs like mint or cilantro to give it a unique and refreshing twist. These creative modifications to the recipe will surely delight your taste buds and make for a memorable dining experience.
This Greek-style roasted branzino recipe is a delightful and flavorful way to experience Mediterranean cuisine right in your own home! Stick with the classic or implement some twists; this dish will impress and satisfy your guests! Give it a try and transport yourself to the Mediterranean today!
