Branzino Fillet Recipe

Learn how to cook crispy skin branzino fillets with this easy recipe! This is one of the most foolproof fish recipes, resulting in a pan-seared branzino that’s tender and flaky, with a ton of fresh flavor. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission when you shop through them. 

If you’ve never cooked branzino at home, this is the perfect place to start. Delicate, mild, and quick to prepare, pan-seared branzino filets with crispy skin make for an elegant but easy weeknight dinner. You can serve this fish in many ways (more ideas at the end of this post).

I’ll show you how I served it over peppery arugula, drizzled with zesty gremolata, and topped with a few fresh kumquat slices. This dish tastes like something you’d order at a coastal Mediterranean restaurant—but you can pull it together in under 20 minutes.

What Is Branzino?

Branzino (also known as European sea bass) is a white, flaky fish with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with citrus, herbs, and olive oil. It’s often served whole in restaurants, but skin-on fillets are widely available frozen and make for a much easier weeknight option. When seared, the skin becomes golden and crisp, while the flesh remains tender and moist.

Where to Buy Branzino 

• Seatopia: Get a box of clean seafood that’s been tested for microplastics here. Use code: YUMMYMUMMYKITCHENBYMARINADELIO for 15% off clean seafood. 
• Trader Joe’s: Find filets in the frozen section at a great price. 
• Your local fish market 

How to Cook Branzino Filets

If you’ve never cooked branzino at home, don’t be intimidated. This lean, flaky white fish is surprisingly forgiving—the skin crisps up beautifully and the flesh stays tender and mild. It’s quick-cooking and holds its shape in the pan, so even if you’re not used to pan-searing fish, this is a great one to try first.

To pan sear branzino filets, here’s all you need to do:

• Start with dry, defrosted filets. Pat them dry with a paper towel so the skin crisps, not steams.
• Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
• Heat a stainless steel or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles.
• Add olive oil, then place the fish skin side down.
• Gently press down on the filets to keep the skin in contact with the pan.
• Cook for 2 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
• Flip and cook 1–2 more minutes, just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

That’s it! No complicated prep, no marinating, and no fancy tools required.

Serving Crispy Skin Branzino

Crispy skin branzino filets are often served skin-side-up in restaurants. However, skin-down is fine too. Just keep in mind that the skin won’t stay quite as crispy if it’s served skin-side down and resting on a wet surface. 

Variations & Toppings for Pan-Seared Branzino

This pan-seared branzino recipe is delicious with gremolata and kumquats, but here are a few more Mediterranean-inspired ideas to switch things up:

Sauce & Topping Ideas:

• Lemon caper butter – swirl a little butter in the hot pan after searing and add lemon juice + capers
• Mojo verde – one of my favorite branzino dishes, from the restaurant Alma Fonda Fina in Montecito, comes with this cilantro sauce and loads of greens.
• Romesco sauce – sweet and smoky, this tomato and red pepper sauce is delicious paired with the branzino’s mild flavor
• Chimichurri – garlicky, herby, and full of zip (great if you’re making grilled branzino, too)
• Avocado Bruschetta– chopped cherry tomatoes, avocado, olive oil, sea salt, and fresh basil 

What to Serve with Branzino

For a complete meal, pair your pan-seared branzino with simple sides that let the fish shine:

Easy Mediterranean Side Dishes:

• Mediterranean Lentil Salad – protein-packed and perfect for batch prepping (see my recipe)
• Lemony Quinoa with Herbs – bright and fluffy with chopped parsley and a drizzle of EVOO
• Garlicky sautéed greens – spinach, chard, or broccolini tossed in olive oil and lemon
• Roasted fingerling potatoes – crispy outside, creamy inside, with rosemary and sea salt
• Authentic Greek Salad – a traditional Greek salad is often served with Mediterranean fish
• Classic Caprese Salad – create a balanced Italian meal with this classic from the island of Capri 

This dish is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and rich in healthy fats, making it a great fit for Mediterranean, Paleo, or anti-inflammatory diets.