Pan-Seared Branzino with Pesto

Ingredients

Steps

1. Step 1

   Rinse the branzino fillets under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and pepper.

   • 2 filletsBranzino fillets
   • ¼ tspsalt
   • ⅛ tspblack pepper

2. Step 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and sear the branzino fillets skin-side down for 4 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until cooked through.

   • 2 filletsBranzino fillets
   • ¼ cupextra virgin olive oil

3. Step 3

   In a food processor, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Process until smooth, then squeeze in 2 tbsp lemon juice and season with salt to taste.

   • 1 cupfresh basil leaves
   • 3 clovesgarlic cloves
   • ½ cupparmesan cheese
   • ¼ cupextra virgin olive oil
   • 2 tbsplemon juice

4. Step 4

   Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and slice 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Serve the pan-seared branzino with a dollop of pesto sauce on top, accompanied by cherry tomatoes and mozzarella slices.

   • 1 cupcherry tomatoes
   • 2 slicesfresh mozzarella