Cashew Free Pan-Fried Branzino with Capers and Lemon
Branzino has a delicate, sweet flesh that crisps up beautifully in a hot skillet, and this preparation lets that quality shine without any fuss. The skin goes deeply golden and crackling while the interior stays tender and moist — the kind of result that looks restaurant-worthy but comes together in a single pan. A quick sauce of capers, sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and fresh parsley builds in the same skillet, picking up all those savory browned bits for serious depth of flavor. The whole dish is built on olive oil, fresh aromatics, and bright citrus, so there's no need to scan labels or worry about hidden nut-based ingredients sneaking in. Capers bring a briny punch that plays perfectly against the lemon, and the parsley keeps everything feeling fresh and vibrant. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a genuine occasion without demanding much from you at all.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 branzino fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
For the pan sauce
- 3 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the branzino fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with the salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and a drop of water flicked in sizzles immediately.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!