There’s always a bit of drama when serving a whole fish, isn’t there? If you make this and serve it to your friends, they’ll think you’re like a master in the kitchen.
I’m confident in da kitchen. I know how to make biscuits and pie and cake and make a whole fish.
You know what I don’t know how to do that’s super intimidating?! Being a maid of honor. My best friend is getting married and this is my job now and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do and then when I Google it, I come across ridiculous lists like these. Let’s break down this list because my tomboyish heart hates things like this:
1. “Make sure all bridesmaids get their hair and make up done” WHAA! What am I their mom, like these are grown ass women—they’ll be fine!
2. “Toast the couple after the best man. (This is optional, but it is a nice touch.)?! Umm…what is this 1919 before women got to vote, why do I have to do it after the best man and why is my speech optional. I have things to say!
3. “Help the bride change for her honeymoon…” Umm..help her change? She can’t put on a romper and some sandals on by herself?!
Basically this list was written by a bridezilla monster and she needs to go away.
Things I am excited about doing:
1. Tasting cake! In that list is says “listen to the bride ramble about cake.” Why would I listen to it when I can just go with them to try it?! Ridiculous.
2. Listening about wedding menus. And sealing invites and wedding dress shopping. All fun fun.
3. Also very excited to throw a bridal shower, which initially will make her roll her eyes because her heart is black, but in the end I know she’ll love it because I’ll make it super cute.
I have never even been a bridesmaid nor a maid of honor so if you’ve been either please let me know what I’m in for! I want to do it right!
Now, let’s talk about this fish. This is probably one of the best things I’ve made in quite some time, not gonna lie. The fennel after being sautéed with the onions and fresno chile pepper, gets sweet and spicy. The grapes are a delicious addition. Their warm acidity and sweetness is so wonderful with this fish. I just love it.
This is one of those meals that makes you feel good after; light and sprightly. You could maybe run a mile after this meal and feel fine, but you’ll still full. If you’ve never made a whole fish before, it’s much more intimidating than it looks. It’s so easy!
Ingredients
Charred Salsa Verde:
- 1 handful of fresh Italian parsley divided
- 1/2 cup fennel fronds fronds and stalks reserved for charring
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Sea salt
Fish:
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bulb of fennel sliced (with fronds removed and reserved for salsa verde)
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- Sea salt
- 1 fresno chile sliced
- 1 bunch of grapes
- 3/4 cup basmati Rice for serving
- 1 pound branzino or sea bream about 1 whole fish, gutted
Instructions
- To make the salsa: Turn the stove’s flame to medium-high. Place a small handful of Italian parsley into the flame and rotate it every few seconds until the leaves are mostly charred. Transfer to a cutting board. Repeat this charring process with the fennel fronds. I found it easiest to leave the fronds on the green/white stalks. Chop up the charred parsley and fennel fronds and transfer to a small bowl. Chop up the remaining fresh Italian parsley leaves and transfer to the bowl. Pour in the olive oil, minced garlic clove, lemon juice and a few pinches of salt. Mix and give it a taste; add more olive oil or lemon juice according to your liking.
- To make the branzino: In a medium skillet, set over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the fennel and onion and top with a few pinches of salt. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the fresno chile and mix; cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the chile pepper slices have softened and the onions are super fragrant. Add the grapes and keep cooking for an additional 10 minutes, stirring every so often. If anything is browning too much, you can turn the down the flame. Meanwhile, cook up the basmati rice if you haven’t!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Sprinkle the fish on both sides and inside with a few pinches of salt. Transfer the onion and fennel mixture into a bowl and cover it with foil so it stays warm while you cook the fish. Add a few tablespoons to the skillet (no need to wash it) and turn the flame up to high. When the oil is hot, place the branzino in the pan. Allow to sear for about 2 minutes, without moving it. At the 2 minute mark, the skin should have lifted from the pan, flip it over and cook on the opposite side for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer to the oven to roast for about 7 to 10 minutes.
- To serve, place the basmati on a large serving plate. Arrange the fish on the plate and spoon and spread the charred salsa verde onto the fish. Top with the fennel and grape mixture. Serve immediately.
A super charged spicy salsa that is delicious on tacos, for chips or any grilled meat and vegetable. A recipe for branzino with sauteed fennel and onions topped with salsa verde.
Thank You!
I have very fond memories of my uncles catching trucha and mojarra and having my mom grill it. The crispy bits were the best. I tried this recipe and it was so delicious.
I had been on vacation and eating out so when I came back I saw this post and made it on a weeknight. My family devoured it. Because I have a two and four year old I opted
For using a white fish because I didn’t want to be careful with the bones. It still turned
Out excellent and we are it all. Than you.
Oh I LOVE branzino! This looks delicious.
This looks delicious! So beautiful and intriguing with the grapes!
I think the #1 rule in bridesmaiding is to keep the rosé flowing. The end.
THAT FISH. I’m skeered, but I’ll try it.
Best tip I’ve ever read. Thanks, Bev. xo
HAHAHA! I love this post so much. I got married in April, and I have a feeling my maid of honor would have had similar things to say about such lists. Seriously, people need to grow with the times.
Ugh, my maid of honor has already threatened me (yes, really) that I will absolutely be her MOH and I’m already scared!!!!
Oh I’m gonna make her do this too!
Where did you buy the Branzino in LA? Cheers!
Be the Maid of “Honor” not the personal attendant. Encourage your bride to have someone else not in the wedding party to carry her stuff, have extra hair and makeup supplies, keep the itinerary, etc. for the wedding days so that you can do what you are supposed to – support her the entire time and help her make lasting memories. Oh, and write a killer speech. No one likes a rambler or a speech full of same-old-same-old or a speech full of personal jokes no one else gets. No pressure!
I love it when fennel gets browned and sweet. It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures. I’ve never tried roasted grapes or whole roasted fish, but I have a feeling I’m seriously missing out. This looks so crazy delicious!
Good luck maid-of-honoring!
xx Sydney