Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsLeña RestauranteWhole Branzino Recipe

Whole Branzino Recipe

Inspired by Leña Restaurante
Time45m
Serves2

Served head on in a sauce inspired by a childhood dish, accompanied by garlic rapini.

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Ingredients

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Whole Branzino

Garlic Rapini

Method

Prepare the Whole Branzino

  1. 1

    Clean and Season the Fish

    Rinse the whole branzino under cold water and pat dry. Make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish. Rub the fish inside and out with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Insert garlic cloves and parsley into the cavity of the fish.

  2. 2

    Cook the Fish

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

Prepare the Garlic Rapini

  1. 3

    Blanch the Rapini

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rapini and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.

  2. 4

    Sauté the Rapini

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant. Add the blanched rapini, sautéing for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Serve

  1. 5

    Plating

    Serve the whole branzino on a large platter, garnished with extra lemon wedges and parsley if desired. Arrange the sautéed garlic rapini on the side.

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