Salt-Crusted Branzino (Sea Bass) with Herbs Recipe
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 2
This Salt-Crusted Branzino (also known as Spigola) with fresh herbs is a delightful and aromatic dish, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. The delicate flavors of the sea bass are enhanced by the herbal stuffing, and the salt crust helps lock in moisture, ensuring a tender and juicy fish with every bite. Follow the steps below for a perfectly baked branzino that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fine salt | 400g |
| Branzino (sea bass) | 550g |
| Coarse salt | 500g |
| Sage | 6 leaves |
| Thyme | 6 sprigs |
| Parsley | 1 bunch |
| Dill | 2 sprigs |
| Bay leaves | 4 leaves |
| Rosemary | 3 sprigs |
| Egg whites | 105g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Lemon | 1 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fish:
Start by scaling the branzino to remove the fish’s skin. You can do this with a fish scaler or the back of a knife to ensure that the delicate flesh remains intact. After scaling, rinse the fish thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residual scales. Pat dry with paper towels. -
Herb Mixture:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley, dill, bay leaves, and rosemary) with the garlic clove (peeled). Pulse until finely chopped, or alternatively, you can chop the herbs by hand if you prefer. Transfer the chopped herb mixture into a separate bowl. -
Prepare the Lemon:
Grate the zest of the lemon and set it aside. Youโll use this zest to enhance the flavor of the herbs. -
Stuff the Fish:
Fill the cavity of the fish with a generous spoonful of the herb mixture. Add the grated lemon zest to the cavity as well for an extra burst of citrusy fragrance. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus will infuse the fish with aromatic flavors during the baking process. -
Make the Salt Crust:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Gently incorporate the fine salt into the egg whites, mixing carefully to avoid deflating the whites. The mixture should be slightly wet but firm enough to form a crust. -
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer (about 1.5 cm thick) of the salt mixture across the sheet. This will create a base for the fish to sit on while baking. -
Coat the Fish in Salt:
Place the stuffed branzino on top of the salt layer. Then, cover the entire fish with the remaining salt mixture. Ensure that the fish is completely enveloped in the salt, creating a solid crust. This crust will help lock in the moisture and flavor while baking. -
Bake the Fish:
Preheat your oven to 200ยฐC (392ยฐF) in static mode. Once the oven is ready, place the baking sheet with the salt-crusted fish into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the salt crust will harden and form a protective shell around the fish. -
Break the Salt Crust:
After 30 minutes of baking, remove the fish from the oven. Allow it to rest for a minute or two. Using a small hammer or meat mallet, gently crack the salt crust. Be cautious when doing this, as the crust can be quite hard. Once broken, carefully lift off the crust. -
Serve the Branzino:
Gently fillet the fish, removing the bones, and serve it immediately. The result is a tender, flavorful fish that has absorbed the aromatic herbs and a subtle touch of lemon. Serve with your choice of side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | ~40g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Carbohydrates | ~5g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugars | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~800mg |
Tips for Perfecting Your Salt-Crusted Branzino:
- Fresh Herbs: Use the freshest herbs you can find for the best flavor. The herbs should be aromatic and bright to give the fish a fragrant kick.
- Egg Whites: Whisk the egg whites carefully to avoid over-whipping. You want them just frothy, not stiff peaks.
- Salt Ratio: The salt-to-egg white ratio is key. Too much salt can overpower the fish, so ensure that you mix it well and check for consistency.
- Alternative Herb Mixes: You can experiment with different herb combinations depending on your taste. Tarragon, basil, or mint can also work well if youโre looking to try something new.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or crispy potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Enjoy this exquisite salt-crusted branzino, a meal that not only tastes amazing but also makes a stunning presentation at your dinner table!
