Roasted Branzino with Spiced Potato Wedges & Tahini-Lemon Sauce

Experience the rustic flavors of Anatolia with this elegant roasted branzino recipe inspired by the Mediterranean coast. Crisp-skinned branzino is paired with golden cumin-spiced potato wedges and a creamy tahini-lemon sauce, creating a vibrant balance of fresh herbs, warm spices, and bright citrus.

Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this Mediterranean seafood dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple techniques and wholesome ingredients. Finished with extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and roasted vegetables, it's an approachable recipe that brings the warmth and authenticity of Turkish-inspired home cooking to your table.

Recipe Snapshot

🍽 Serves: 2 🔥 Calories: 480 per serving 💪 Protein: 35g 🍞 Carbohydrates: 42g 🥑 Fat: 22g ⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes 🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Roasted Branzino

• 2 (6 oz) branzino fillets (sub: sea bass fillets)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (sub: grapeseed oil)
• ½ tsp kosher salt (sub: sea salt)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (sub: white pepper)

Spiced Potato Wedges

• 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into wedges (sub: red potatoes)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (sub: melted ghee)
• 1 tsp ground cumin (sub: caraway seeds)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (sub: sweet paprika)

Blistered Tomato Confit

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sub: grape tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (sub: avocado oil)

Tahini-Lemon Sauce

• ¼ cup tahini (sub: almond butter)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (sub: white wine vinegar)
• 2 tbsp warm water (sub: vegetable broth)

Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, torn (sub: fresh cilantro)
• 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts (sub: toasted sunflower seeds)
• ½ tsp sumac (sub: lemon zest)

How to Make Roasted Branzino with Spiced Potato Wedges and Tahini-Lemon Sauce

Roasted Branzino:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the branzino fillets with olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper.
3. Place fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast for 10-12 minutes until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Spiced Potato Wedges:

1. Toss potato wedges with oil, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
2. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.

Blistered Tomato Confit:

1. Toss tomatoes with olive oil in a small baking dish.
2. Roast in the oven alongside the fish and potatoes until the skins burst and soften, about 15 minutes.

Tahini-Lemon Sauce:

1. Whisk the tahini and lemon juice in a small bowl until the mixture seizes and thickens.
2. Slowly add the warm water while whisking until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Garnish:

1. Gently tear the parsley leaves to release their oils.
2. Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until lightly browned.
3. Sprinkle the sumac, parsley, and pine nuts over the plated fish just before serving.

Tips for Best Results

• Pat the branzino skin thoroughly dry with a paper towel before roasting to ensure a crisp, golden-brown finish.
• Place the branzino fillets on a preheated sheet pan to create an immediate sear upon contact.
• When plating on terracotta, use warm plates to keep the fish and potatoes at the perfect temperature for longer.
• Thinly shave your red onions and toss them in a little sumac and salt before serving to add a bright, acidic crunch.
• Use a mortar and pestle to crush the cumin and coriander seeds for a more intense, aromatic spice crust on the potatoes.

Plating & Presentation

To plate this Anatolian-inspired meal, arrange the golden spiced potato wedges at the base, topped with the crispy-skinned branzino fillet. Nestle the blistered tomato confit alongside the fish to provide a pop of color. Drizzle the creamy tahini-lemon sauce over the fish, then finish by scattering the torn parsley, toasted pine nuts, and a final dusting of sumac over the top for a professional, restaurant-quality presentation.

FAQ

• Can I substitute the branzino? Yes, sea bass fillets are an excellent alternative for this preparation.
• How do I keep the sauce from clumping? Whisking the tahini and lemon juice first creates a thick base; adding the warm water slowly is the secret to a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Are the potatoes crispy? Roasting them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes ensures a golden, tender center with a crisp exterior.
• What does sumac add to the dish? Sumac provides a necessary bright, citrusy acidity that cuts through the richness of the tahini and roasted fish.

Final Thoughts

This roasted branzino embodies the simple sophistication of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Bring this rustic meal into your home to experience how perfectly spices and fresh fish can transform a standard weeknight dinner into a memorable occasion.

Thank you for spending a few minutes cooking with me today.

Whether tonight's dinner is something simple or something special, I hope this recipe reminds you that great meals don't require complicated ingredients—just a little inspiration.

Every recipe on InspoPlate is created with the hope of making home cooking easier, more creative, and more enjoyable.

Happy cooking,

— Katia

I created InspoPlate to solve one simple question: "What am I going to cook today?" My mission is to help home cooks transform the ingredients they already have into beautiful, restaurant-worthy meals while building confidence in the kitchen.