Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino Recipe with Citrus Butter Sauce

A savory Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino paired with a zesty citrus butter sauce. This dish boasts delicate flavors, perfect for elegant dinners or cozy meals. Easy, aromatic, and utterly delicious!

There’s something irresistibly elegant about a whole Branzino fresh out of the oven—golden, aromatic, and bursting with flavor. This Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino Recipe combines the delicate, buttery flesh of this Mediterranean favorite with the bold, savory notes of miso and fresh herbs. Topped off with a zesty citrus butter sauce, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe delivers big-time.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of pairing citrus with seafood, you might also love experimenting with recipes like Lombatello Steak or Pappadeaux Crawfish Étouffée. For something sweet after your Branzino feast, try the indulgent Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake for a perfect finish.

What Makes Branzino Special?

Branzino, or European seabass, is a mild, flaky white fish that’s prized for its versatility and rich, buttery texture. Unlike fattier fish like salmon, Branzino has a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, citrus, and umami-packed miso. This variation draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, marrying them into a dish that’s both comforting and refined.

What makes this version unique is the miso crust. Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds depth and complexity without overpowering the fish. It’s like giving your Branzino a flavor upgrade while keeping the focus on its natural qualities.

If you’ve enjoyed recipes like Chatelaine Smoked Salmon Roll-On or Fu Bao Chinese Tofu, you’ll appreciate how this dish brings together the best of multiple culinary traditions.

Ingredients for Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino

The Essentials

• Whole Branzino
  Look for a fresh, sustainably sourced fish, about 1.5 pounds. Its mild flavor works perfectly with bold seasonings.

• White Miso Paste
  This adds a salty, umami kick that enhances the natural sweetness of the fish. Choose a light miso for a more delicate flavor.

• Fresh Herbs
  A mix of thyme and parsley gives the dish a fragrant, earthy touch. You can experiment with dill or cilantro if preferred.

• Lemon and Orange
  The citrus elements brighten up the dish and balance the savory crust. Zest and slices are used for maximum impact.

• Olive Oil and Butter
  Olive oil keeps the fish moist during cooking, while butter emulsifies into a luxurious citrus sauce.

Optional Ingredients

• Garlic
  Minced garlic adds a bit of aromatic depth, blending well with the miso and herbs.

• Dry White Wine
  Used in the sauce, this adds acidity and helps deglaze the pan for extra flavor.

Why These Ingredients Work

This recipe leans on a balance of bold yet harmonious flavors. The miso paste works as a flavor-packed marinade, while the fresh herbs and citrus keep things light and refreshing. Pairing the fish with a butter sauce infused with wine and orange zest gives it that restaurant-quality edge without needing advanced cooking skills.

For more bold and creative takes on familiar ingredients, check out Blue Jam Garlic Aioli or Daylily Fritter Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino Recipe isn’t just about amazing flavor—it’s about versatility. It’s perfect for:

• Dinner Parties: The presentation of a whole roasted fish is guaranteed to wow your guests.
• Festive Celebrations: Branzino is a centerpiece-worthy dish for Christmas, New Year, or Easter.
• Weeknight Dinners: Believe it or not, this dish is simple enough for a cozy meal at home.

With minimal prep and a short cook time, you’ll spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones than stuck in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino

Prepping the Fish

1. Clean and Pat Dry: Ensure your fish is cleaned, scaled, and dried with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better.
2. Prepare the Marinade: Mix miso paste, olive oil, garlic, chopped thyme, parsley, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth.
3. Apply the Marinade: Rub the mixture all over the Branzino, including inside the cavity. Let it marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Cooking the Branzino

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Add Citrus Slices: Stuff the cavity of the Branzino with thinly sliced orange.
3. Wrap and Roast: Place the fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet and wrap tightly to trap moisture. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Making the Citrus Butter Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Deglaze with Wine: Add white wine and whisk until emulsified.
3. Finish with Citrus: Stir in orange zest and a pinch of salt for seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Once the fish is cooked, carefully unwrap it and plate it whole. Drizzle generously with the citrus butter sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Pair this dish with sides like Air Fryer Crunchy Cream Potatoes or Mei and Kyong Egg Fried Rice for a complete meal.

Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino with Citrus Butter Sauce

Branzino Recipe

This Miso and Herb-Crusted Branzino recipe combines umami-packed flavors with a zesty citrus butter sauce for a luxurious yet easy-to-prepare dish. Perfect for impressing guests or upgrading a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 1 whole Branzino (about 1.5 lbs), cleaned and scaled
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup dry white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Mix the miso paste, olive oil, garlic, thyme, parsley, and lemon zest into a smooth paste.
2. Rub the miso paste mixture generously over the Branzino, inside and out. Let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff the cavity of the Branzino with orange slices.
4. Place the Branzino on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Wrap tightly in the parchment to create a steamy cooking environment.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
6. While the fish bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the white wine and stir until the mixture emulsifies into a glossy sauce.
7. Carefully unwrap the Branzino and plate it. Drizzle with the citrus butter sauce and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

15 minutes prep time with 30 minutes cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 320 calories per serving.

Mediterranean, Fusion / Main Course, Seafood

Rated 4.8 by 197 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: Branzino recipe, baked fish recipe, miso crusted fish, Mediterranean seafood dish, citrus butter sauce

Published by: Show Recipe