Sautéed Garlic Butter Branzino with Basil
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Sautéed Garlic Butter Branzino with Basil, a quick and exquisite one-dish meal perfect for any garlic and butter aficionado. This recipe highlights the delicate taste of branzino, enhanced by a fragrant garlic and herb-infused butter sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, it's a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine through. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and experience a delightful culinary adventure.
3
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Branzino fish fillets
2-3 (rinsed and patted dry)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Unsalted butter
1-2 tablespoons (none)
Minced garlic
2 tablespoons (none)
Lemon juice
1/2 (freshly squeezed)
Fresh basil leaves
6 (chopped)
Salt
1 dash (to be applied on one side of fillets only)
Fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Minced parsley
1 dash (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the branzino fish fillets under cold water and patting them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they fry beautifully.
2
Sprinkle a dash of salt on only one side of each fish fillet; this helps to enhance the natural flavor without becoming overly salty. Add the fresh ground pepper evenly on both sides.
3
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat, allowing it to become hot before adding the olive oil and unsalted butter. Watch the butter carefully as it melts and begins to sizzle, which indicates it's ready for the garlic.
4
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
5
Stir in the chopped fresh basil into the pan, allowing it to crisp slightly in the garlic butter for a burst of flavor.
6
Carefully place the branzino fish fillets in the pan, ensuring they are arranged skin-side down. Cook for about 3 minutes on this side without moving them to allow a nice crust to form.
7
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the cooking fish, then gently flip each fillet over to cook the other side for another 3 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
8
Once finished cooking, remove the pan from heat and plate the fish fillets with your preferred side dishes. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the fillets. Optionally, sprinkle with minced parsley for an extra touch of freshness before serving.
9
Enjoy your delightful Sautéed Garlic Butter Branzino with Basil!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
1.67g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Sautéed Garlic Butter Branzino with Basil.
How many servings does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 3 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this branzino dish?
The dish can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
What are the primary flavor notes of this meal?
The primary flavors are rich garlic and herb-infused butter combined with fresh basil and lemon.
What should I do first with the branzino fillets?
Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Why is it important to pat the fish dry?
Patting the fish dry ensures that the fillets fry beautifully and develop a good texture.
How should I season the fish with salt?
Sprinkle a dash of salt on only one side of each fish fillet to enhance flavor without over-salting.
How should I apply the pepper?
Apply 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper evenly on both sides of the fillets.
What type of oil is used for frying?
This recipe uses 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What heat setting should be used for the frying pan?
A medium-high heat setting is recommended.
How much minced garlic is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it is fragrant and lightly golden.
What happens if the garlic burns?
If the garlic burns, it can turn bitter, so it must be watched carefully.
When is the fresh basil added to the pan?
Stir in the chopped basil after the garlic is sautéed but before adding the fish.
How many basil leaves are required?
The recipe requires 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped.
Which side of the fish should be cooked first?
The fillets should be placed in the pan skin-side down first.
How long do I cook the first side of the fish?
Cook the skin side for about 3 minutes without moving the fillets to form a crust.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the fish right before flipping the fillets.
How long does the second side of the fish take to cook?
The second side takes about 3 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
What should I do with the remaining garlic butter sauce?
Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan over the plated fish fillets.
What is an optional garnish for this dish?
A dash of minced parsley can be sprinkled over the top for extra freshness.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
This dish provides 12 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The meal contains approximately 1.67 grams of carbohydrates.
What category of meal is this?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite dish that is fantastic for entertaining.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged under healthy eating and features simple, fresh ingredients.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the optional garnish.