Grilled Whole Branzino

Ingredients

• 2 whole branzino, cleaned and scaled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. 1

   Pat the fish dry and score the skin with 3-4 diagonal cuts on each side, cutting just through the skin — this scoring lets heat and seasoning reach the thickest part of the flesh faster and more evenly than the skin alone would allow.

2. 2

   Season the cavity and skin generously with salt and pepper, and stuff the cavity with lemon slices, thyme, and garlic.

3. 3

   Rub the outside with olive oil.

4. 4

   Grill over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes per side, until the skin is charred and the flesh flakes easily near the bone.

5. 5

   Serve whole, or fillet at the table.