How to Grill and Eat a Whole Fish (Branzino)

How to Grill and Eat a Whole Fish (Branzino)
The same technique works with any whole fish (red snapper, sea bream, scup, black bass, striped bass, etc). Fish that are less than 2.5 Lb are easiest to grill.
1 whole branzino (1-1.5 Lb), scaled, gutted, gills removed, fins trimmed
Herb Mustard Grilling Glaze (see below) or Standard Grilling Glaze • Top Secret Grilling Gl...
Salt and pepper
Preheat the grill to high following the procedure in the video. Dry the fish thoroughly inside and out with paper towels. Right before grilling, season inside and out with salt and pepper, coat with a thin layer of glaze and wrap the tail in foil.
Oil the grill grate 8 times with a paper towel (only the part where you’ll be placing the fish). Place the fish on the grill and cook for 4 minutes per side or until brown and crispy. Check for doneness in the thickest part. It’s done when you can get to the bone, but the meat near the bone is still a bit raw. If the fish is brown, but not done, turn down the heat and continue on low heat. Rest for 7-10 min and serve.
Herb Mustard Grilling Glaze
1 garlic clove, grated on a microplane zester
1 Tbsp chopped herbs, such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, savory
10g (2 tsp) Dijon Mustard
15g (1 Tbsp) olive oil
Whisk garlic, herbs, and mustard together with a fork. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking until smooth.
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[@Williamtriggs1]

I watched a dozen videos on grilling whole fish and Helen’s was the best. Guess what? She actually knows what she is talking about. Unlike many of the other you tubers that seemed like they were just looking for content without having any experience. Instant subscribe. Thanks Helen.

[@mysterybat35]

This is one of most thoroughly explained videos I have ever seen on KZbin.. not just cooking videos but I mean period. I don't own a grill but whenever I am blessed with one at least I'll know how to clean it . And as a guy who has never cooked or eaten a fish whole I think this video is a great help. I will say though that I may have to train my mind to get out of my comfort zone. I'm so used to the fried fish that was fileted beforehand. Even then I get annoyed with pin bones that were overlooked and even worse when you swallow it. I also like the instant gratification of just eating a piece of meat and then going to the next one. Having to sit and pick apart the meat and removing bones the whole time seems very tedious for my impatient self but I've heard how much more flavorful fish can be when you cook it whole...so im willing to try

[@ajboit3032]

Hello Helen, my wife and I grilled whole Branzino today using your technique, and it turned out great! Thanks for the great video and instruction.

[@lotsofhairbutnomoney3705]

I will always consider myself a student of Helen :) This is another one that will no doubt be the backbone of all my future fish grillings.

[@gmiernik]

pay no attention tho that "useless thermometer on the lid" you are the queen, People do not realize how useless it is and pay extra for grills that have them, money well wasted. Your recipes are amazing very well explained step by step in a very calming reassuring voice. A++++++++++

[@bloomindoom]

This was the most simple whole fish recipe I've ever seen. Thanks, Helen

[@biplane420]

Such a lovely show! Thank you for passing on your knowledge and brings in your lovely personality to the show.

[@MattScofield]

This makes me think I can do this

[@biffy7]

I just baked 3 Branzino and had trouble deboning. Wish I saw this before. Excellent technique. Thank you.

[@entisarmcdonald2967]

You’re just a delight to watch. Thank you for all your great recipes and tips!

[@vincenzosplate]

Thank you for this video! I loved it

[@jaimehouston3163]

Sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot my login password. I love any tricks you can give me

[@jaypee9569]

You are the best, I love the way you eat every part. Thank you for your great videos!

[@lopa001]

That looked great! I'm missing eating fish in this endless lockdown!

[@angelg3000]

Awesome. Like the way you present this. And the Branzino looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

[@garykoifman613]

Dear Helen, We loved few of cooking videos. You are doing your presentation with lots of humor and cute smile. God Bless You. Good luck. Gary K.

[@ec0n1n0thuman]

Thank you so much for nuanced advice. Our lunch was truly superb!

[@jojoagogo912]

Finally! Someone shows me how to fillet a fish AND how to grill it. Ty ty ty!

[@kgdblade]

Nice video, I appreciate the attention on how to move fish on the grill. Great tips!

[@eskimokissable]

Great attention to detail! Thank you :-) Would love a video on different ways to prepare clams besides raw, baked, steamed, chowder or vongole.

[@danp8126]

I liked your presentation. You made me so hungry for Branzino. I am looking forward to eating it next week. Keep on cooking and making videos.

[@JKold]

Brilliant tips and advice.

[@ingrid4675]

Only just discovered you today. I found this video thoroughly informative. I've recently bought a both a whole Orata and a Sea Bass. I 've forgotten the variety ( not stripped). I don't get to a really good fish monger very often. I look forward to cooking and eating them with confidence and great enjoyment, thanks to you. ps By the way I'm still cutting my own hair; a remnant of the pandemic. Your hair style in this video is what I've sorrowfully been trying to achieve. Now I know what to ask for/show that I want, when I'm on holiday next month. Also, I thought all cooking shows had become just so much fluff. Thanks for proving me wrong. I've missed the whole KZbin thing until recently. Your the best thing I've seen seen since New Years fireworks in Italy, or was it Vienna? No I haven't just come out of a comma. Thank you so much Helen.-

[@dshanley4226]

This was so helpful! Wish I’d seen this before I fixed this tonite!!

[@maniok1977]

Everything I wanted to know about fish, thank you!🐟🍽

[@rogerhaag2013]

this is such a great way to make fish! Thank you!!

[@zakkeister174]

Iv been wanting to cook a whole fish for a while, this video makes me feel like I'm ready!

[@Alexinwonderland725]

Came here after making this 3 times and all 3 times it was delicious! This is one of the better methods ive found for cooking whoel fish since im new to this :)

[@rosekimbeng9365]

Yummy!!! It looks delicious thanks for sharing 👍

[@quinn1756]

Your English pronunciation is great especially for a non-native English speaker. Collar was barely pronounced wrong and more of a technicality likely caused by your accent. Collar is more like Caw-ler rather than for instanc color/colour which is more like cuh-ler. Also great video!

[@Osama.Zidanism]

Thanks for details , this video.made with love

[@andreaingram2314]

Excellent class. Thank you

[@danielwood6743]

I love this channel

[@rtmayes5972]

Amazing video!!, Very well explained

[@oksanamihnuk7090]

Thank you Helen! Very helpful

[@nmolinaro62]

Yes. The same technique works for any whole fish on either gas or wood-burning cooker. I prefer to use my Big Green Egg (a ceramic wood-burning grill) to add a bit of smoke flavor, but the gas grill works well also. Well done, as always, Helen.

[@drew51st]

Thanks Helen! On my near-term list to TRY!! xo

[@ianvancouver5670]

Wow, excellent grilling tips - tried this with a sockeye salmon filet- first time I didn't leave skin on the grate!

[@Nemhyz]

Just found your channel and I love it!

[@joannhoward790]

Great video!

[@noedog]

So helpful, thank you.

[@raffieb762]

Great technique!

[@Broncos14]

Made my first whole fish today, great video, enjoy picking out the tender bits, who would of thunk!!

[@asanboo]

Wow. This is awesome

[@denacornett2098]

Served your short ribs made yesterday and my life will never be the same!❤️

[@KSGomez88]

I just love your videos 😊

[@gsftom]

Excellent!

[@aaronwang3735]

Looks amazing!!

[@lisaweil3342]

Great videoooo! Thank u!

[@karlfreitag1]

I'd definately use more garlic for a whole fish but fabulously thorough tutorial!

[@annarostocka5468]

Great. Thanks

[@crabbyturtle1594]

YES, CHEEK MEAT IS DELICIOUS!!! Many people just do not know.

[@etherdog]

Helen, as avidly as you were digging into the cheeks and collar, I was surprise there was any fish left :-) Your glaze idea is a good one as I usually just use salt, pepper, and olive oil.

[@alj521]

very nice. take care

[@pavelow235]

Very helpful .

[@miorfaizulsabki6667]

That how we do it in my country. We never fillet a fish because the flavour is better cooking with bone and reduce waste. We serve it with bone and eat everything what is edible and we eat with fingers.

[@angeljurado33139]

Love it

[@positivechic1463]

I stopped buying whole fish for years and switched to filets. I’m tempted to try whole again.

[@dmitripopov8570]

Yummy recipe, great tips! Thank you! Could you please show your take on a whole fish Maafe with peanut sauce - or, any kind of your favorite Maafe?

[@brianbuch1]

"...but I could easily eat the whole thing." Now I know to trust your recipes.

[@allaudler6752]

Спасибо Леночка 😊

[@siba2893]

Hey Helen could you explain how to debone a whole fish and fry it entirely?

[@amandabarroga494]

Thank you so very much Helen! ❤ I always come back to you when cooking my Branzino. Do you have a recipe for the oven or even a cast iron grill? Sending love and light 🙏🏼

[@helenrennie]

For the oven, the broiler works well for me. Cook one side under the broiler until brown (about 4-5 min) and then the other side till brown. If the fish isn't cooked through, continue cooking in the oven at around 450F.

[@banmate6]

Great grilling technique from a knowledgable cook. But I prefer eating with fingers and fork, without filleting, which I think wastes too much fish. Using bread to mop the juices and parts that fall off.

[@evgeniapshenichnova4289]

Hello Helen, thank you for the recipe. I don't have a grill. Do you think I can still get a decent result using either cast iron grill pan or oven? What other type of fish would you recommend for cooking this way?

[@helenrennie]

You could put the fish under the broiler in your oven. any small whole fish work: sea bream, red snapper, trout, etc.

[@fonkehmonk]

Thanks, Helen! I can't wait to give this a try. One question - would you ever do the tinfoil technique with a charcoal grill, or is it enough to just let it heat up uncovered? #realcomment :)

[@helenrennie]

No tinfoil on charcoal grill. Just set it up for 2 zone fire (direct and indirect)

[@TheresaElle]

She is adorable!!! Uses every last scrap...even the bones. I watched another video and the guy threw away like 50%.

[@1947umw]

Hello Helen, how can we get the fishy smell out of the fish. I have noticed when ungutted and uncleaned fish is frozen and then thawed, it has a stronger smell than if the fish was cleaned and then frozen.

[@footballfav01]

I have many uses for chicken stock on regular occasions... what’s a good / unorthodox use for fish stock? Great video - I think I can do this!

[@helenrennie]

Fish soups and stews. I know that's not very unorthodox ;)

[@BillAngelos]

зто очень хорошо, спасибо!

[@dandeleona4760]

"color" and "collar" are very close pronunciations in English but we understood you perfectly. Your English is fine. :)

[@babungaCTR]

For those like me who doesn't have a grill, how do you feel about cast iron grill pans? Are they useless?

[@helenrennie]

I find them useless. Just put the fish under the broiler or use a regular skillet. The hardest part with whole fish is having a skillet large enough to fit it. That's why grill works so well. If you are close to fitting in a skillet, you can always chop off the tail to make it work.

[@_deutschmark]

EAT IT BY YOURSELF?? NAUGHTY GIRL HELEN!!!!

[@f2pdoctor29]

in indonesia we do this every single day xD, and some even deep fried it and eat with chilli sauces

[@b.e.d.brewing3909]

Ahhh YES!!!! I like Red Snapper whole to cook (with rosemary and lemon slices). Brown trout though doesn’t work out well (bones are too small)... what other choices of fish are good whole? I am looking for something around 2-3 pounds (feed 3) .. and thank you for the tip with fish stock!!!

[@helenrennie]

look at the description below the video for fish ideas

[@b.e.d.brewing3909]

I see it now :-). Thank you

[@johnross6786]

Baby is on point ☺️

[@kam7056]

❤❤❤

[@olgadiaz1909]

Ok I was looking to learn this for work but I can’t eat my costumers food so imma keep looking

[@davisjugroop3782]

😛 wow! 8min !

[@deemahdee]

Did you say the rest will be used for fish stock!?!? Please tell me more about the fish stock! 😀

[@helenrennie]

cover with water, bring to a boil, reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 45 min. strain. if you want more info, here is my fish soup recipe that covers fish stock. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i53CqqB4eJKWrs0 the quantity you'll get from 1 fish will be way smaller, but it's nice to have in the freezer for your next fish stew.

[@deemahdee]

@@helenrennie thank you. Love your channel! I've learned so much! Been saving random fish scraps and shells off of shrimps wanting to put it to use. Once I have good amount of "raw material" I'll try the stock from your video 💪

[@denisbz8434]

Какой у вас прекрасный акцент 😊

[@tonyleverett6917]

Where do you teach in Boston? I live in Boston

[@helenrennie]

I teach in Natick: www.helenrennie.com/kitchen/classes.php

[@HowToCuisine]

Just discovered your channel! 😱 Subscribing NOW! 🔔 I love it! Can't wait for your next video! 😊😍

[@paleologue]

In China I learned to eat whole fish with chop sticks. You can remove pieces of meat right off the bone with chopsticks just like with your fingers. Of course, in the Philippines, I eat with my fingers. Of course, in Asia we do not disassemble the fish before eating, we just eat it right off the bone. I think this style reflects the European mentality...to make all things in conform to one's own sense of order rather than to adapt oneself to the thing one is engaging with. Perhaps how we eat says something about our cultural mentalities.

[@brandonlasvegas]

😋😎

[@Glad2bMe1]

Im baking this fish tomorrow for dinner but Im terrified of the bones when eating 😫

[@peetsnort]

I love my sharp knives for food preparation but when it comes to fish it's totally the best to grill the fish and just strip the cooked flesh off the bones with a fork

[@allanthunder9213]

Bien después de este video tengo que ver como tener una platica con un capitan de policia durante la cena

[@Passionforfoodrecipes]

Ther s nothing *fishy* about that technique! Well I guess there is, but in a good way 😁

[@michaelogden5958]

Yeesh. I'd give a pretty penny for a nice fresh fish like that! Oh, well... I can dream, I suppose. :-)

[@fleurbloem5462]

Sure jou can do it yourself! Looks harder then it is. Have been intimidated by coole, meals, and kitchen mezelf for long. Once you get in it, youllsurprise yourself. Its worth it. Maybe, some wil fail, but just keep on going and then it will become a staple. The fulfilment is surely even beter then the taste! Good luck

[@cmaur811]

Love this fish served whole- lots of bones. Hub hates the bones. I don’t mind.

[@Candy-Striper-Viper]

The amazing spider man with Andrew Garfield brought me here!

[@witness1ish]

I Miss the stuffing. Thyme or Tarragon. Maybe dried barbaris! And Lemon!

[@denacornett2098]

We made bronzino in acqua pazzo in Italy, but really didnt care for such a bony fish.

[@markcerwin4733]

this is very normal in philipino way ahahaha

[@genericembarrassingusernam7843]

Whole fish? I hardly know fish!

[@Gamer_Pizza983]

i think you missed the eyeball

[@macakucizmama831]

Nothing better then a crunchy tail, not to mention finns, can not believe you removed it :/ btw there is also saying that skin should be salted at the end, but seems it didn’t stick to grill anyway.

[@DevilsAngel]

Next life you’ll be the fish and someone else will be the cook..

[@carmenschumann826]

. . . the grilling part was pretty good . . . but for serving: not even in a 3rd class restaurant in the Mediterranean area a fish would be mistreated so nastily !

[@A_Box]

You don't eat the fish brain? Pretty tasty.