This Grilled Whole Branzino with Lemon, Parsley, and Pico de Gallo is a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy high-quality seafood with minimal fuss. Garnished with bright lemon slices and fresh parsley, the branzino is grilled until the skin is crisp and the flesh is tender and flaky. It’s then topped with a vibrant homemade pico de gallo made with tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and lime for a zesty finish. Light, healthy, and perfect for summer grilling, this dish lets the natural flavor of the fish shine. You can order premium wild caught branzino for this recipe directly from City Seafood — shipped fresh and ready to grill.

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Grill Time: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Fish:

• 2 whole branzino (cleaned, scaled, and gutted)
  Order yours from City Seafood STL

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

• 1 small bunch of fresh parsley (roughly chopped)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional: a few garlic slices

For the Pico de Gallo:

• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

• Juice of 1 lime

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pico de Gallo:

In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and mix well. Let it sit while you grill the fish so the flavors meld.

2. Prep the Branzino:

Rinse the fish and pat dry. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper. Stuff each fish cavity with lemon slices, chopped parsley, and optional garlic.

Rub olive oil over the skin to help prevent sticking and encourage crispiness.

3. Grill the Fish:

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F). Clean and oil the grates well.

Place the fish directly on the grill (or use a fish basket). Grill for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the skin is crisp and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.

4. Serve:

Transfer the grilled branzino to a serving platter. Spoon the fresh pico de gallo over the top and garnish with extra lemon wedges.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with grilled vegetables, rice, or a light salad — and maybe a chilled glass of white wine.

Ready to make this dish at home?
Order your fresh whole Branzino now at cityseafoodstl.com and get grilling!