There's something about branzino that makes me feel like I'm sitting at a seaside table somewhere in the Mediterranean. Maybe it's the delicate, mild flesh. Maybe it's the crispy skin that shatters at the touch of a fork. Or maybe it's just how effortlessly elegant it looks on a plate
Pan Fried Branzino
Posted by : Madison Croft / On : Sep 29, 2026
Pan Fried Branzino
Rated 4.0 stars by 4 users
Category
Main Course
Cuisine
Mediterranean-Inspired
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Calories
981
This is an absolutely fabulous way to prepare branzino filets.
Ingredients
-
4 branzino filets, skin-on
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- ΒΌ tsp kosher salt
- β tsp ground black pepper
-
Β½ stick unsalted butter, melted
Directions
Season the Fish: Sprinkle the fleshy side of each branzino filet evenly with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside
Pan-fry the branzino: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the melted butter. Once the butter is shimmering, carefully place the filets in the skillet skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
Flip and Finish: Carefully flip each filet with a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145Β°F.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the fish to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove any excess fat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra fresh parsley if desired.
Recipe Note
SIMPLE SIDE SUGGESTIONS (optional)
Light meal: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Hearty meal: Pair with roasted baby potatoes and sautΓ©ed green beans or asparagus.
CHEF'S SUBSTITUTION GUIDE
If you prefer a similar mild, flaky white fish: Substitute Red Snapper or Triple Tail β same cook time and texture.
If you prefer something richer: Substitute Sea Bass β cook 4β5 minutes per side.
If you prefer a thinner filet: Substitute Flounder or Sole β cook 2β3 minutes per side.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- per serving
- Calories
- 981
Amount/Serving
% Daily Value
- Carbs
- 1 grams
- Protein
- 160 grams
- 320%
- Fat
- 32 grams
- 50%
- Saturated Fat
- 12 grams
- 74%
- Trans Fat
- 0 grams
- Cholesterol
- 750 milligrams
- 250%
- Fiber
- 0 grams
- Sugar
- 0 grams
- Sodium
- 769 milligrams
- 33%
- Iron
- 8 milligrams
- 43%
- Potassium
- 2330 milligrams
- 67%
