Branzino, also known as European sea bass, is a delicate, flavorful fish that’s perfect for grilling or roasting. Here's a simple yet delicious recipe for roasting branzino that highlights its natural flavor with a few classic Mediterranean ingredients:

Roasted Branzino with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs

Ingredients:

• 2 whole branzino, cleaned and scaled
  
• 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for zesting and juice)
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 bunch of fresh thyme (or rosemary, depending on your preference)
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: A handful of cherry tomatoes, olives, or capers for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the branzino:

   • Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
   • Make a few diagonal slashes on both sides of each fish to help the flavors penetrate and to ensure even cooking.
   • Season the cavity of each fish with sea salt, black pepper, and a couple of garlic cloves. You can also add a sprig of thyme (or rosemary) into the cavity for extra flavor.

3. Stuff and season the fish:

   • In the slashes and the cavity, place a few slices of lemon, a couple of smashed garlic cloves, and a sprig of fresh thyme. Drizzle the fish with a generous amount of olive oil, then season the outside with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon zest for added fragrance.

4. Roast the fish:

   • Place the prepared fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
   • Roast for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. If you’re using smaller fish, check at 15-18 minutes.

5. Serve:

   • After removing from the oven, drizzle the roasted fish with fresh lemon juice, a bit more olive oil, and scatter the optional garnishes (cherry tomatoes, olives, capers) for extra Mediterranean flair.
   • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips:

• If you prefer grilling the branzino, follow the same preparation steps but cook the fish over medium-high heat on a well-oiled grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the size.
• For a little extra richness, you can baste the fish with melted butter or olive oil halfway through roasting.
• If you want more flavor depth, you can marinate the fish in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.

Enjoy your branzino—it’s a beautiful, light dish that’s full of Mediterranean flavors!