Jul 14 2026
Restaurants312 ChicagoPan Seared Branzino Recipe

Pan Seared Branzino Recipe

Inspired by 312 Chicago
Time45m
Serves4

Fregola, Puttanesca, Kale, Charred Lemon

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Ingredients

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Fish

Kale and Charred Lemon

Method

Fish

  1. 1

    Prepare the Branzino

    Season the branzino fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Pan Sear the Fish

    Once the oil is hot, place the branzino fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Fregola

  1. 3

    Cook the Fregola

    In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add fregola pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cherry tomatoes in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

  2. 4

    Finish the Fregola

    Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and stir in fresh basil before serving.

Puttanesca Sauce

  1. 5

    Prepare the Sauce

    In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  2. 6

    Combine Ingredients

    Add canned diced tomatoes, sliced olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Kale and Charred Lemon

  1. 7

    Sauté the Kale

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped kale and sauté until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. 8

    Char the Lemon

    In the last minute of cooking the kale, add the lemon halves cut-side down to the skillet. Cook until charred, about 2-3 minutes.