Discover a culinary masterpiece with our expert guide to cooking whole branzino roasted in salt. Embark on a journey of flavors as we unveil the secrets of preparing this delectable dish, known for its crispy outer layer and tender, succulent flesh. Learn how to select the freshest branzino, the optimal roasting temperature, and the art of creating the perfect salt crust that enhances the natural flavors of the fish. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress your guests, our comprehensive guide will lead you step-by-step through the process of creating a dish that will delight your palate and leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
WHOLE BRANZINO ROASTED IN SALT
Steps:
- For fish:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Stir salt and 5 egg whites in large bowl, adding more egg whites as needed to form grainy paste. Press 1/4-inch layer of salt mixture (large enough to hold both fish) onto large rimmed baking sheet. Stuff cavity of each whole fish with half of herb sprigs and lemon slices. Place fish atop salt mixture on baking sheet. Pack remaining salt mixture over fish to enclose completely. Roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part of fish registers 135°F, about 20 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare salsa verde:
- Using small sharp knife, remove peel and white pith from lemon. Working over bowl, cut between membranes to release segments. Cut each segment into 3 pieces. Add lemon pieces and next 6 ingredients to bowl.
- Using back of large spoon, gently crack open salt crust on fish. Lift and discard salt layer. Pull skin from top of 1 fish. Carefully lift top fillet from bones and transfer to plate. Lift and discard bones. Gently lift second fillet from skin and transfer to second plate. Repeat with second fish for a total of 4 plates.
- Spoon salsa verde over fish, leaving juices in bowl. Add arugula to bowl; toss to coat. Divide among plates.
ROASTED WHOLE BRANZINO
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet.
- Cut slits into the branzino skin 1 inch apart, being careful not to cut through the spine. Stuff each slit with the garlic then drizzle the fish with oil. Season heavily with salt and pepper. Stuff the fish cavity with the lemon slices and the thyme sprigs. Transfer the fish to the wire rack and roast in the oven until the flesh is flaky and cooked through, about 14 minutes.
- Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve.
WHOLE BRANZINO ROASTED IN SEA SALT WITH AROMATIC HERBS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Serving suggestions: Steamed vegetables and plain mashed potatoes
- To make the vinaigrette sauce: In a small bowl, mix together salt and lemon juice, and then add the olive oil. When it comes time to serve, mix the aromatic herb mixture into the sauce, see Cook's note*.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Clean and dry the branzino. In a bowl, mix egg whites, flour, sea salt, and the aromatic herbs, creating a smooth mixture. Line the bottom of a baking pan with the parchment paper. Place the branzino onto the parchment paper. Cover the entire branzino (top and all sides but not the bottom) with the sea salt mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes, and then remove from oven. While the fish is still in the baking pan, crack open the sea salt case, push it to the side, then fillet. Place the branzino fillets onto a plate. Serve with vinaigrette sauce on the side, steamed vegetables and plain mashed potatoes.
- Combine all herbs.
SALT-BAKED BRANZINO
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place salt in a bowl and add egg whites 1 at a time, stirring, until mixture looks like wet sand (the number will vary).
- Rinse fish and pat dry. Place fish on a parchment-lined large baking sheet and divide remaining ingredients between cavities of fish.
- Firmly pat half of salt evenly over each fish to cover fish completely.
- Bake fish in middle of oven until salt is just starting to turn golden at edges, 15 to 18 minutes (see cooks' note, below).
- Crack salt away from fish and discard, then carefully lift fish from bones.
Tips:
- Choose the right fish: Select a whole branzino that is fresh and firm, with bright, clear eyes and shiny scales.
- Prepare the fish: Rinse the branzino thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove the gills and any remaining scales.
- Make the salt crust: Combine coarse salt and egg whites until a thick paste forms. Add herbs, spices, and citrus zest for extra flavor.
- Cover the fish in salt: Place the branzino on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the fish completely with the salt crust, making sure to seal any gaps.
- Roast the fish: Bake the branzino in a preheated oven until the salt crust is hard and golden brown. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fish.
- Serve the fish: Once the fish is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before breaking the salt crust. Serve the branzino whole or in fillets, with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Conclusion:
Whole branzino roasted in salt is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for special occasions. The salt crust helps to lock in the fish's natural flavors and keeps it moist and succulent. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your own taste. With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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