Oven Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter

Name: Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 whole branzino fish (about 1 ¼ pounds each, scaled and cleaned); 1 lemon (thinly sliced); Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling); 1 stick salted butter (4 oz); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon parsley or chives (freshly chopped); Table salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

There's something truly magical about roasting a whole fish in the oven — it fills your kitchen with a warm aroma and delivers perfectly flaky, tender bites. This Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want simple yet elegant seafood that's bursting with fresh flavors.

Two whole roasted fish with crispy brown skin are placed side by side on a white oval plate. The fish are topped with golden, crumbly bits, some melted butter, and small dark spots of char. Several thin, light yellow lemon slices rest on and around the fish, adding brightness to the dish. Bright green fresh parsley leaves are scattered on the fish and plate for a fresh touch. To the upper right of the plate is a small white bowl with a chunky green sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a gray cloth napkin partly visible near the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe stands out because it’s straightforward, quick, and feels like a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up on a weeknight. I’m always impressed by how just a few fresh ingredients can make the fish sing.

Simple but impressive: You don’t need crazy skills or fancy equipment to get perfectly cooked fish with crispy skin and juicy meat.
Lemon butter magic: The lemon butter sauce is zesty and buttery, adding a bright punch that balances the richness of the branzino.
Fast and fuss-free: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes, it's perfect when time is short but you still want to impress.
Healthy and satisfying: Low in carbs but packed with protein and good fats, it’s a wholesome dish that feels light but filling.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are simple, but each plays a crucial role. The fresh lemon juice and parsley brighten the rich butter, while garlic and onion add savory depth. Selecting fresh branzino that's well-cleaned is key—fresh fish will yield that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Flat lay of three whole fresh branzino fish with shiny silver scales and clear eyes, a small white ceramic bowl with a stick of pale yellow salted butter, four peeled garlic cloves, one small peeled onion chopped into pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly squeezed lemon juice, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, thinly sliced fresh yellow lemon rounds arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted butter: The base of your luscious lemon butter sauce, salted butter provides both richness and seasoning.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a subtle pungency that mellows and infuses into the butter during cooking.
Small onion: Chopped onion cooks down into sweetness, complementing the garlic and lemon nicely.
Fresh lemon juice: Essential for bright acidity—it lifts the entire dish and cuts through the butter’s richness.
Parsley or chives: Adds fresh herbal notes and a pop of color to make the dish beautiful and vibrant.
Table salt & freshly ground black pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance every flavor layer.
Whole branzino fish: Make sure they're scaled and cleaned, about 1¼ pounds each for even cooking.
Thin lemon slices: For stuffing and garnish—they roast alongside the fish, imparting subtle citrus flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: A light drizzle helps keep the skin crispy and flavorful during roasting.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this recipe depending on what I have at hand or my mood. There's room for subtle tweaks that make it yours, whether it's swapping herbs or adjusting the garlic level. Don’t be shy to experiment!

Variation: I sometimes swap parsley for fresh dill, which adds a slightly different, almost anise-like twist that pairs beautifully with fish.
Dietary tweak: If you're watching salt, you can use unsalted butter and regulate salt to taste after cooking.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture can add a wonderful warmth without overwhelming the delicate fish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe

Three whole raw fish lie side by side on a white marbled surface lined with brown paper. Each fish has deep diagonal cuts across their greyish-blue skin, and slices of yellow lemon are placed beneath them. A woman's hands are gently touching the fish in the middle and bottom positions, with one hand on the top side of the middle fish and the other hand near the bottom fish’s head. The fish have shiny scales and clear eyes, showing they are fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Preheat for Perfect Crisp

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (about 220°C) and place your rack in the lower middle position. This spot gives the fish enough heat to crisp up the skin without drying it out. Meanwhile, gather all ingredients and give your branzino a final rinse and pat dry thoroughly—dry skin is crispy skin!

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking gently until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper. This sauce will soak into the fish and create that irresistible lemon-butter flavor everyone loves.

Step 3: Prep the Branzino for Roasting

Place each cleaned branzino on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Drizzle olive oil over the skin and season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with a few thin lemon slices and a bit of the lemon butter sauce. Then drizzle some more sauce over the top just before roasting.

Step 4: Roast to Flaky Perfection

Pop the fish into your preheated oven and roast for about 15 minutes. Time can vary based on fish size, but a good rule of thumb is 10 minutes per inch of thickness. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and the skin is golden and slightly crispy.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe and help you avoid common pitfalls that trip up first timers.

Dry the Fish Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin. After rinsing, pat the branzino completely dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just won’t give you that fresh, bright flavor. I always squeeze lemons fresh—it’s worth the tiny effort.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the fish during roasting as it can quickly go from perfectly flaky to dry. Set your timer and check around 12 minutes if you have thinner fish.
Let It Rest Briefly: After roasting, let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute — your first bite will thank you!

How to Serve Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe

Oven Roasted Branzino - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving – it adds a lovely green contrast and a fresh bite. Sometimes, I add a few more thin lemon slices on top to amp up the citrus aroma. A drizzle of extra lemon butter sauce on the side is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

This fish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a light salad with a vinaigrette. I also enjoy it with creamy mashed potatoes or herbed couscous to soak up every bit of that zesty lemon butter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider plating the branzino whole on a large platter garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs for a stunning centerpiece. Or, serve individual fillets with a small spoonful of lemon butter sauce artistically drizzled on the plate. It adds a bit of flair and makes your guests feel like they’re dining out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover branzino in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the lemon butter sauce separate if possible to gently reheat together later. This approach helps maintain the texture and flavor without the fish becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing cooked branzino isn’t my favorite because it tends to lose that fresh, flaky texture once thawed. If you do freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn, but try to enjoy fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftover fish in a low oven (around 250°F) covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Reheat the lemon butter sauce on the stovetop separately and drizzle it on just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another fish instead of branzino for this recipe?

Absolutely! While branzino has a delicate texture and mild flavor that work wonderfully here, other whole white fish like sea bass, snapper, or trout can be excellent substitutes. Just adjust roasting time based on the size and thickness of the fish.

How do I know when the branzino is fully cooked?

Look for flaky, opaque flesh that easily separates with a fork. The skin will turn golden and crispy. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 145°F. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender.

Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the lemon butter sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just warm it gently before drizzling over the fish so it melts back to a smooth sauce without separating.

What sides go best with Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter?

Light and fresh sides complement this dish best. Think roasted or grilled vegetables, simple green salads, or grains like couscous or quinoa. Mashed potatoes or risotto also soak up the sauce beautifully for a more decadent meal.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it never fails to impress yet stays approachable and quick. It’s a dish I love to share with friends when I want an effortless but elegant meal that feels both homey and gourmet. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring it as much as I do!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Roasted Branzino with Lemon Butter Recipe