Name: Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 stick salted butter (4 oz); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon parsley (or chives, freshly chopped); Table salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 3 whole branzino fish (about 1 ¼ pounds each, scaled and cleaned); 1 lemon (thinly sliced); Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Nothing beats the delicate, flaky texture and fresh flavor of fish cooked just right. This Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly that—simple yet impressive, with a bright, buttery sauce that makes every bite sing. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it feels gourmet but comes together in no time.

The image shows two whole grilled fish placed side by side on a large white oval plate. The fish have a golden-brown, crispy skin with some darker charred spots and visible textured scales. On top of each fish, there are thin slices of lemon arranged in a line from head to tail. Green parsley leaves are scattered over the fish, adding a fresh touch. Around the fish and on the plate edge, there are more lemon slices neatly spread. To the top right of the plate, there is a small bowl with a chunky light-green sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a gray cloth napkin is partly visible to the left. A woman's hand is holding the edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this baked branzino with lemon butter sauce—I wanted something that felt special but didn’t demand hours in the kitchen. It turned out beautifully each time, and honestly, it’s now my go-to when I want to impress without stress.

Effortless Gourmet: Uses just a handful of ingredients but results in a restaurant-quality dish.
Quick Cooking: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for a weeknight or casual dinner party.
Flavors That Shine: The lemon butter sauce brightens the mild branzino and keeps the fish moist and tender.
Customizable: Easily tweak the herbs or add your favorite seasonings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is chosen to enhance the natural beauty of the fish without overpowering it. I love using fresh lemon juice for brightness and fresh herbs for that subtle earthiness. Here’s why these ingredients come together so well:

Flat lay of three whole fresh branzino fish, scaled and cleaned, one stick of salted butter in a small white ceramic dish, four peeled garlic cloves roughly minced in a white bowl, one small chopped onion in a white bowl, one lemon thinly sliced on a white plate, one lemon half alongside a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small bunch of fresh parsley chopped, a tiny mound of coarse table salt, a small heap of freshly ground black pepper, and a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted butter:This forms the luscious base for your lemon butter sauce and helps keep the fish moist.
Garlic:Minced garlic adds a fragrant warmth that melds perfectly with butter and lemon.
Onion:Chopped onion gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Lemon juice:Freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, giving the sauce a lively tang.
Parsley (or chives):Fresh herbs brighten the sauce and add a pleasant, herbaceous note.
Table salt and freshly ground black pepper:Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the fish.
Whole branzino fish:Beautifully mild and flaky, branzino is ideal for baking whole, with a delicate flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon butter.
Lemon slices:Used both inside the fish cavity and on top for extra zing and an attractive presentation.
Extra virgin olive oil:Drizzled on the fish before baking to crisp the skin and enrich the flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh dill, which adds a light, almost citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with fish. You should feel encouraged to make it your own!

Variation: When I want a little more heat, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a subtle kick.
Herb swaps: Fresh thyme or tarragon work wonderfully instead of parsley if you want to change the flavor profile.
Butter alternative: For a lighter version, try substituting some of the butter with olive oil in the sauce.
Seasonal twists: During summer, I like adding capers or green olives for a briny contrast that brightens the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

The image shows three whole raw fish with silver scales and dark fins laid out on brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Each fish has diagonal shallow cuts on its body. Underneath each fish are thin slices of bright yellow lemon, partially peeking out. A woman's hands are gently placing one lemon slice under the middle fish, showing the careful preparation. The scene is simple and clean, with the shiny fish contrasting against the warm parchment and cool white marble background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Oven and the Fish

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F, placing your rack in the lower-middle position to ensure even cooking. While the oven warms, pat your branzino dry—this step is key for crispy skin. Then, season the cavity and outside of each fish generously with salt and pepper. Slide in a few thin lemon slices inside the cavity for a fresh burst of flavor during roasting.

Step 2: Make the Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing gently until fragrant and soft but not browned—about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple sauce will soak into the fish and bake alongside it, creating that signature luscious flavor.

Step 3: Bake and Baste

Place the seasoned branzino on a baking tray lined with parchment or lightly oiled. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the skin to help it crisp up in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of your fish, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Halfway through baking, spoon some of the lemon butter sauce over the fish to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Serve with More Sauce and Lemon

Once baked, transfer the fish to your serving platter and generously drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce over the top. Add a few fresh lemon slices for garnish and a sprinkle of herbs for color. That’s it—simple, elegant, and so satisfying.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small steps can make a huge difference when baking branzino. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve that flaky, flavorful perfection every time.

Dry the skin thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so use paper towels to pat your fish completely dry before seasoning.
Don’t overbake: Branzino cooks fast; keep an eye after the 12-minute mark so it stays juicy and tender, not dry.
Make fresh sauce: The lemon butter sauce is best made fresh, but you can gently reheat leftovers without losing flavor.
Use fresh lemons: Bottled lemon juice just can’t compete—fresh juice adds brightness that transforms this dish.

How to Serve Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I typically top the fish with additional fresh parsley or chives and some thin lemon slices for a pretty, fresh look. Occasionally, a few capers or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt add a nice touch and balance the richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs brilliantly with lightly sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini. I also love serving it alongside roasted baby potatoes or a simple quinoa salad to keep the meal light but filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I lay each whole fish on a platter lined with lemon wedges, sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted almonds over the sauce for crunch, and add edible flowers on the side—it’s always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftover fish to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce stays flavorful, but I recommend reheating gently to avoid drying out the fish.

Freezing

While branzino is best fresh, you can freeze uncooked, cleaned fish if needed. I don’t recommend freezing after cooking as the texture can suffer, but if you must, freeze the leftovers in a tight container and thaw slowly in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the fish loosely with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps it moist and prevents the butter sauce from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another fish instead of branzino?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other mild, flaky white fish like sea bass, snapper, or trout. Just adjust the cooking time depending on fish size and thickness.

How do I know when the branzino is done?

The fish is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh turns opaque. Be careful not to overcook or it can become dry and tough.

Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a few hours ahead and gently reheat it before serving. However, for the freshest flavor, I recommend making it just before baking the fish.

What sides go best with Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe?

Light and fresh sides like steamed or sautéed veggies, roasted potatoes, or simple salads complement the rich, buttery fish nicely and keep the meal balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Branzino with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it came from a top seafood bistro. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you’ll love how effortlessly elegant it feels, and everyone at your table will be asking for seconds.