Name: Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino 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 and roasting)

Nothing beats the aroma of melting butter mingling with zesty lemon in the oven. This Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy fresh, flaky fish that feels like a restaurant dish but is so easy to pull off at home.

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 Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this branzino recipe countless times and it always impresses. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve guests. The lemon butter sauce is bright and buttery without overpowering the delicate fish, making every bite a celebration.

Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of fresh basics that combine for maximum flavor without fuss.
Quick Cooking: From prep to table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Gourmet Feel: The juicy, flaky branzino paired with lemon butter tastes fancy but is incredibly easy.
Versatile: Easy to customize with herbs or sides to suit your taste or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe plays a role in creating a balanced, flavorful dish. The butter enriches, lemon juice adds brightness, and fresh herbs lift the whole profile. Here’s a quick peek at why each one matters:

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: I always use salted to help season the fish as it cooks, plus it melts into a luscious sauce.
Garlic: Minced finely so it infuses the butter with a rich aroma without overwhelming the delicate fish.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the lemon butter bath the branzino bakes in.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for that vibrant citrus zing that brightens the buttery sauce.
Parsley (or Chives): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a mild earthiness at the end.
Table Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Whole Branzino Fish: Scaling and cleaning are key—ask your fishmonger to prep it if possible.
Lemon (Thinly Sliced): For layering on top of the fish to add subtle citrus notes and pretty presentation.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle keeps the skin crisp and adds richness without heaviness.

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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

While I love the classic lemon butter combo, I sometimes tweak this recipe to suit my mood or what's fresh in the market. Don't hesitate to make it yours!

Variation: I’ve swapped parsley for fresh dill or basil, which adds a different herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the fish.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture gives it a gentle heat that I adore.
Garlic Lovers: Feel free to add extra minced garlic if you're like me and want that bold punch.
Acid Swap: Sometimes I try lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus zing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino 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 Your Oven and Fish

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and position the rack in the lower middle spot to get the right heat circulation. While it’s warming up, make sure your branzino is thoroughly scaled and cleaned—ask your fishmonger if you want to skip this step. Pat the fish dry with paper towels; this step is crucial to achieving crispy skin later.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the stick of salted butter gently. Stir in your minced garlic and chopped onion, allowing them to soften and infuse the butter, about 3-4 minutes—don’t let it brown. Turn off the heat, then mix in the fresh lemon juice and chopped herbs. Season with a little table salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Fish for Baking

Place your cleaned branzino on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment. Brush the fish inside and out with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, then pour half of your lemon butter sauce inside the cavity and spread the rest over the skin. Lay the thin lemon slices on top of the fish and inside the cavity for extra flavor and pretty presentation.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Pop the baking tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. Don’t overcook! Once out of the oven, spoon the reserved lemon butter sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if you'd like.

Top Tip

In my experience, nailing this recipe comes down to a few small tricks that ensure your branzino is juicy, flaky, and bursting with flavor every time.

Dry the Fish Thoroughly: After scaling and cleaning, pat dry well. Wet skin steams instead of crisps in the oven.
Don’t Overcook: Fish continues to cook a bit after you take it out. Aim for just cooked through to avoid dryness.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice is convenient but fresh lemon adds a brightness you truly taste.
Butter Sauce Base: Melt butter gently; high heat burns garlic and onion flavors, so keep it low and slow.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe

Lemon Butter Baked Branzino - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with some fresh parsley or chopped chives to add brightness and a touch of color. A few thin lemon wedges on the side never hurt either—they make the presentation pop and let guests add extra zing if they want.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually reach for light and simple: a crisp arugula salad, roasted baby potatoes tossed with herbs, or some steamed asparagus. These allow the lemon butter baked branzino to truly shine as the star of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served the branzino whole on a big platter lined with lemon slices, fresh herbs, and edible flowers. It feels festive and invites conversation. Also, sharing the fish family-style adds a lovely communal vibe that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the fish in an airtight container in the fridge and eating within 1-2 days to enjoy the best texture and flavor. Keep the lemon butter sauce separate if possible to avoid soggy fish.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze cooked branzino because the texture changes, but the butter sauce freezes well if stored alone in a small container or ice cube tray for quick future use.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the fish in a low oven (about 300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes or until just warmed through, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice to revive the flavors without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe with other fish?

Absolutely! This method works great with other white whole fish like trout, snapper, or sea bass. Just adjust cooking time according to size.

How do I know when the branzino is fully cooked?

The fish is done when the flesh is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches about 145°F. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the lemon butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the fish just before baking for best results.

Do I need to use salted or unsalted butter?

I prefer salted butter in this recipe because it helps season the fish directly, but if you only have unsalted, just add a pinch more salt to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lemon Butter Baked Branzino Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels light yet indulgent. It’s surprising how a few simple ingredients can make a whole fish sing with flavor and elegance. I encourage you to give it a try—you might be delightfully surprised how easy it is to make a gourmet meal right in your kitchen!