Deliciously flaky pan-seared branzino cooked in a few simple spices, butter and lemon juice. It’s a 20-minute meal to serve with some grilled veggies, a fresh salad, and roasted potatoes.
Pan-seared Branzino
I picked up some frozen branzino fillets from Trader Joes a couple of weeks back and was craving a simple, lemony pan-seared fish. I seasoned the fish with some salt, pepper, garlic powder and cajun spice, and pan-seared them in a little butter.
They turned out so flakey and flavorful, and paired perfectly with a fresh kale salad.
Pan-seared fish is one of my favorite methods of preparing white fish. Most white fish are pretty mild in flavor, but after a little seasoning and searing, you’re left with delicious, melt-in-your mouth fish.
How to make simple pan-seared branzino
This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, and in just under 20 minutes!
- Season the fish– start by seasoning the branzino fillets with cajun spice, garlic powder, salt & pepper
- Heat your pan– heat a skillet on medium heat with some butter. You can use vegan butter to make this dairy-free
- Pan-sear the fish– after heating your pan, pan-sear the fish fillets for about 3 minutes per side, starting with the skin side down
- Garnish with lemon juice and parsley– Once the fish is ready, add some fresh lemon juice on top, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt
I love serving this with a kale salad and my favorite smashed potatoes. It’s a simple weeknight meal that the whole family with love!
You guys are going to love this easy recipe. I can’t wait for you to try it!
What to serve with your branzino:
Za’atar Smashed Potatoes with Chipotle Tahini
Green Goddess Pasta
Balsamic Date Kale Salad with Fried Halloumi
Pan-seared Branzino
Ingredients
- 4 branzino fillets
- 2 tbsp butter, dairy or vegan
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cajun spice
Directions
- Pat the branzino dry with a paper towel. Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder and cajun spice together and rub the mixture over the fish.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat/low, then add in the butter. Once the butter is melted, add in the branzino skin side down. Depending on how big your pan is, you may want to cook two fillets at a time.
- Cook the fish on medium heat for about 3 minutes, then flip the fish over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Once ready, garnish with chopped parsley, lemon juice and a pinch of salt
The timing given in the recipe was perfect. The seasoning was excellent. I will make this again!
This recipe is quick and delicious! I generally eat branzino fish with lemon and capers but this might be my new favorite recipe for the fish.!!