Grilled Branzino With Cilantro-Mint Relish

Fresh whole branzino stuffed with aromatic herbs and chiles, grilled until crispy, and served with a vibrant cilantro-mint relish. This elegant seafood dish combines bright citrus flavors with fresh herbs and a hint of spice.

4 servings
6 hr 25 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ whole small white onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh mint plus 4 sprigs for stuffing
  • 2 whole red chiles (such as Fresno or serrano), with seeds, thinly sliced, divided
  • cup vegetable oil
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 2 whole branzino or small red snapper, cleaned
  • 1 whole lime

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Mix onion, cilantro, lime juice, ginger, sugar, chopped mint, half of chiles, and 1/3 cup oil in a medium bowl; season with salt. Set relish aside.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Season inside of fish with salt. Stuff with mint sprigs, lime slices, and remaining chiles; tie with kitchen twine. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt. Grill fish until skin is crisp and flesh is flaky and opaque down to the bone, about 5 minutes per side. (If a small knife slides easily through the thickest part of flesh, the fish is done.) Serve with relish.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    DO AHEAD: Fish can be stuffed and tied and relish can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.

    360 min