Whole Roasted Branzino with Lemon and Shaved Fennel Salad
This whole roasted branzino with lemon and shaved fennel salad tossed in white wine vinaigrette is an easy, healthy meal that's on the table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the fennel salad
- 1 medium (about 10 oz) fennel bulb
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the branzino
- Two or three (1-pound) whole branzino*, cleaned
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons, preferably Meyer, sliced, plus more for serving
Instructions
Make the fennel salad
- Trim the fennel, reserving the fronds. Halve the bulb lengthwise and cut away the core if it seems tough. Using a mandoline or other handheld slicer, thinly shave the fennel into long ribbons. Finely chop the fronds.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shaved fennel, fennel fronds, parsley, olive oil, and vinegar and toss to coat well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Make the branzino
- Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse and pat the fish dry. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil over each fish and rub it all over, being sure to get it into the cavity.
- Generously season the entire fish, inside and out, with salt and pepper. Place the lemon slices in the cavity, overlapping them slightly.
- Bake the fish until it’s slightly opaque throughout and the lemons have wilted, 10 to 15 minutes. It should be almost but not quite completely cooked through.
- Turn on the broiler to its highest setting and broil, flipping once, until the skin crisps and the fish is opaque when tested with the tip of a knife, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Serve the roasted fish with the fennel salad and extra lemon slices, if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 869kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 70g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 240mg | Sodium: 214mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g