Enjoy a flavorful and elegant Pan-Seared Branzino with Sautéed Zucchini, perfect for a light meal or impressing guests.

Branzino in padella con zucchine al salto

Branzino in padella con zucchine al salto is an elegant and quick second course, ideal for those who want a fish dish with crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh. In this recipe, we pair it with sautéed zucchini, golden-browned over high heat and flavored with garlic, pepper, and a fresh hint of mint, perfect for adding lightness and color to the dish.

Completing the dish is a vibrant salmoriglio sauce made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, parsley, and oregano: an aromatic and bright dressing that enhances the delicate taste of the branzino without overshadowing it. The result is a simple yet refined pan-seared branzino, ideal for a light dinner, a quick lunch, or to impress guests with a tasty, fragrant seafood dish ready in just a few minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 whole branzino
• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the salmoriglio sauce:
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano

Instructions

1. Prepare the branzino: clean and scale the fish, then pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Once hot, add the branzino to the pan and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked through.
5. While the branzino is cooking, slice the zucchinis into thin rounds.
6. In a separate pan, heat a bit of olive oil and add the zucchini. Sauté over high heat until golden brown.
7. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the zucchini, and finish cooking for another couple of minutes.
8. To prepare the salmoriglio sauce, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
9. Once the branzino is cooked, serve it on a plate with the sautéed zucchini alongside and drizzle with the salmoriglio sauce.

Total Time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian