Easy Mediterranean Fish

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Create a light Mediterranean dinner with whole roasted branzino finished under the broiler and topped with a lemony sauce. Ready in just over 20 minutes.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:01 GMT
A beautifully plated whole grilled fish, garnished with fresh herbs, surrounded by lemon slices and roasted cherry tomatoes. Pin it
A beautifully plated whole grilled fish, garnished with fresh herbs, surrounded by lemon slices and roasted cherry tomatoes. | recipesbyclare.com

My Greek branzino takes me back to summer evenings by the Mediterranean. The fish turns out perfectly tender each time with crispy skin and that bright lemony sauce brings everything together. After years of practice this simple elegant dish has become my go-to for dinner parties.

Simple Mediterranean Magic

Once you try cooking whole fish this way you'll wonder why you waited so long. The delicate branzino paired with fresh herbs and lemon creates something truly special. Best part? It takes just minutes to prepare yet looks absolutely stunning on the table.

From My Kitchen

  • Fresh whole branzino cleaned and ready to go
  • Good Greek olive oil my favorite for roasting
  • Juicy lemons sliced thin
  • Sweet red onion cut into rings
  • Fresh dill snipped from the garden
  • Tiny cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor
  • Fresh garlic finely minced
  • Dried Greek oregano from my spice drawer
  • Sea salt and fresh pepper

Let's Cook

Get Started
Heat oven to 400°F dry your fish well make slits season everything generously
Fill and Roast
Stuff with lemon and onion place on oiled pan cook flip once finish under broiler for crispy skin
Make the Sauce
Whisk lemon juice garlic oregano slowly drizzle in oil until creamy
Time to Serve
Move fish to platter pour sauce add tomatoes sprinkle with fresh dill

My Cooking Tips

Look for fresh whole fish at your market branzino sea bass or snapper work beautifully. Those slits in the skin help flavors sink in and create crispy edges. Trust your instincts when it’s flaky its done.

Complete Your Meal

Serve alongside fluffy lemon rice or crispy Greek potatoes. A simple Mediterranean salad dressed with extra sauce makes the perfect starter. Sometimes I toss extra vegetables in the oven while the fish roasts.

A beautifully presented whole fish garnished with herbs, surrounded by lemon slices and cherry tomatoes on a decorative platter. Pin it
A beautifully presented whole fish garnished with herbs, surrounded by lemon slices and cherry tomatoes on a decorative platter. | recipesbyclare.com

Save Some For Later

Leftover fish stays good in the fridge about three days. Warm it gently in a pan to keep that lovely texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I substitute for branzino?

Red snapper, cod, sea bass, flounder or any mild white fish works well.

→ How do I know when fish is done?

Fish should be opaque and flake easily, reaching 145°F internal temperature.

→ Can I make sauce ahead?

Yes, ladolemono sauce can be made days ahead and stored.

→ Why broil at the end?

Creates perfect charred skin for extra flavor and texture.

→ How long do leftovers keep?

Up to 3 days refrigerated in airtight container.

Greek Roasted Branzino

Whole roasted branzino seasoned simply and served with a bright ladolemono sauce, tomatoes, and fresh dill.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 2 Servings (2)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Extra virgin olive oil.
02 1 lb whole branzino, cleaned.
03 Kosher salt and black pepper.
04 1/2 lemon, sliced.
05 1/2 red onion, sliced.
06 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
07 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped.
08 1 ladolemono sauce recipe.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F, rack in center.

Step 02

Pat fish dry, make 2 slits on each side.

Step 03

Season with salt and pepper inside slits and cavity.

Step 04

Stuff cavity with onion and lemon.

Step 05

Roast 5 minutes per side until flakes easily.

Step 06

Broil 3-4 minutes until skin chars.

Step 07

Make ladolemono sauce while fish cooks.

Step 08

Transfer fish to platter, drizzle with sauce.

Step 09

Top with seasoned tomatoes and dill.

Notes

  1. Don't overcook fish.
  2. Fish is done at 145°F internal temp.
  3. Sauce can be made ahead.
  4. Keeps 3 days refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp knife.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Serving platter.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 257
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 42 g