Description
Deliciously grilled branzino, stuffed with fresh herbs and lemon, topped with a vibrant preserved lemon gremolata.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole branzino, cleaned, gutted, descaled (roughly 1.5–2 lbs) or sub other whole fish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 lemon
- a small handful of fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary, sage or parsley
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (about 1 cup, tender stems ok)
- 1/4 cup chopped preserved lemons (rind and flesh)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- cracked pepper
- optional chili flakes
Instructions
- When you buy a whole fish, make sure it is gutted and descaled.
- Rinse it off inside and out and pat it extra dry.
- Brush liberally with oil.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, inside and out.
- Slice some lemons and place inside the cavity of the fish. Tuck in some fresh herbs.
- Using a sharp knife, cut 2-3 slits into each side of the fish at the thicker end.
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat, 400F (or medium if fish is over 2 pounds) and oil the grates.
- Place the fish on hot, greased grill, with the tail end on the cooler side. Grill, covered, not moving it for about 5 minutes or until you see grill marks.
- Use a thin metal spatula and tongs to carefully flip. Cover, grill until crisp with visible grill marks and eyes cloud, another 4-5 minutes.
- While the fish is grilling, make the flavorful Preserved Lemon Gremolata, placing all ingredients in a bowl and stir.
- Place fish on a platter and right before serving spoon the flavorful Gremolata over top. Yes, please eat the delicious crispy skin!
- Enjoy this with Everyday Quinoa and a leafy green salad.
Notes
- See notes for substitution for preserved lemons.
- The tail end cooks faster than the head end, so slitting the fish helps it cook evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg