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+ servings

Whole Roasted Branzino with Tamarind, Cilantro, & Lime

Serves 2 people

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Branzino butterflied
  • 2 tbsp Neutral oil
  • 3 tbsp Tamarind paste
  • ½ cup Palm sugar (100g) or dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Water
  • 2 tbsp Fish sauce
  • 1 bunch Scallions dark green parts only
  • 2 inch piece Ginger peeled and julienned
  • 1 tbsp Cilantro chopped
  • 2 Limes 1 lime sliced thick, 1 lime quartered
  • Kosher salt
  • 1-2 tbsp Peanuts chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF.
  • In a small pot, melt the palm sugar with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Add the tamarind paste and the fish sauce and bring to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Transfer to a different container and cool to at least room temperature.
  • Examine the branzino and see if you need to remove any fins or bones. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut 3 shallow slits in the skin at an angle. Repeat on the other skin side. Rub the skin of the branzino with neutral oil, then place on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Season the skin and the inside of the fish with a pinch of kosher salt.
  • Rub the inside flesh of the fish with about 1 tbsp of the sauce per side, then repeat on both sides of the skin. You should use around 4 tbsp total (2 inside, 2 on skin).
  • Spread the ginger pieces and the scallion pieces along the flesh, and top with about 4 slices of lime. Fold the other side of the branzino over the limes, ensuring everything stays (mostly) inside the fish.
  • Roast the stuffed branzino in the 400ºF oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is slightly crisp, the flesh is white and opaque, and/or the internal temperature reaches 145ºF. You may optionally put it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get a crispier skin.
  • Transfer the whole branzino to a serving plate or platter, then garnish with chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts. Set the quartered lime pieces on the side to squeeze as desired.