Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Recipe

A few weeks ago, I found a pack of frozen branzino fillets at Trader Joe’s while doing my usual grocery run. I had nothing particular in mind-just looking for something fast to make after work.

But surprisingly, this turned out way better than I expected. So now, I’m here to share my copycat version Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Recipe with you.

Branzino is a mild white fish that’s easy to cook, not too “fishy,” and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. I like getting the frozen ones from Trader Joe’s because they’re already cleaned and ready to go-no mess, no fuss.

If you shop at Costco or your local market, you can also find the whole branzino, but I personally prefer the convenience of the fillets.

This recipe is super simple. It uses everyday ingredients like lemon, rosemary, butter, and olive oil. If you can turn on your oven, you can make this dish.

I Love This Dish Because…

What I really like about this dish is how quick and easy it is to make, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant. The branzino comes out tender and full of flavor.

It’s light, but still very satisfying. And I don’t feel heavy after eating it, which is always a plus.

The rosemary and lemon bring such a fresh smell to the kitchen. Every time I make this, the aroma alone puts me in a good mood. Also, it doesn’t take much effort.

I can pop it in the oven and have it ready in under 20 minutes. That’s perfect for busy nights when I don’t want to think too hard about dinner.

I’ve made this several times now, and each time, it turns out great. The caper butter at the end? Game-changer. It melts over the fish and adds just the right pop of flavor.

Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Ingredients

1 lb branzino fillets: I use the frozen branzino from Trader Joe’s. Each package usually has four fillets. You don’t need to thaw them before cooking, which saves time. If you buy whole branzino from Costco or a fish market, just ask them to clean and fillet it for you.

8 sprigs of rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives the fish a nice smell and flavor. I use two sprigs for each fillet.

Kosher salt and pepper: These are for seasoning. Kosher salt is easy to sprinkle and sticks well to the fish. Black pepper adds a little heat.

1 lemon: Lemon slices go on top of the fish while baking, and I squeeze extra lemon juice over the cooked fillets for a fresh taste.

1 tablespoon softened butter: I like to use Kerry Gold salted butter because it’s creamy and rich. The butter gets mixed with capers for a tasty sauce.

1/2 teaspoon capers: Capers are small, salty, and add a pop of flavor to the butter.

1-2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps the fish cook evenly and keeps it moist. I drizzle it over the fillets before baking.

Helpful Swaps

Don’t have everything? Here are some simple swaps that still work great:

1. Fish: If Branzino isn’t at your store, use sea bass, flounder, or tilapia. They’re all white fish and work fine-just watch the cooking time.
2. Rosemary: Thyme or parsley also taste good with fish if rosemary isn’t your thing.
3. Capers: Try chopped green olives for a similar salty bite.
4. Butter: Vegan butter or a bit of extra olive oil can work if you don’t do dairy.
5. Lemon: Lime works too, but lemon gives the best bright flavor.

Required Kitchen Tools

1. Baking pan
2. Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
3. Small bowl (to mix the butter and capers)
4. Knife and cutting board (for slicing lemon and rosemary)
5. Spoon (for spreading butter)
6. Oven mitts (for safety)
7. Spatula or serving spoon

How To Make Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Recipe

Step 1 | Prepare the Baking Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper. This keeps the fish from sticking and makes cleanup fast.

Step 2 | Arrange the Fillets

Take the frozen branzino fillets out of the package. Place them flat on the pan so they don’t touch each other. No need to thaw-they cook just fine from frozen.

Step 3 | Season the Fish

Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper on both sides of each fillet. I use about 1/8 teaspoon salt per fillet to make sure every bite is tasty.

Step 4 | Add Olive Oil

Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon olive oil over each fillet. This keeps the fish moist and helps the seasonings stick.

Step 5 | Add Rosemary and Lemon

Place two sprigs of rosemary on top of each fillet. Slice the lemon into thin rounds and put two slices on each fillet.

Step 6 | Bake the Fillets

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the fish on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks white all the way through.

Step 7 | Make the Caper Butter

While the fish bakes, chop the capers and mix them with the softened butter in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.

Step 8 | Finish and Serve

When the fish is done, take it out of the oven. Remove the lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Place the fillets on plates and spread the caper butter on top while the fish is still hot. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over each fillet for extra flavor.

Recipe Perfection Tips

• Dry the fillets with a paper towel before seasoning if you thaw them first-this helps the skin get crispy.
• Don’t overbake; check the fish at 12 minutes so it stays moist.
• Use fresh rosemary and lemon for the best flavor.
• Mix the butter and capers ahead of time for quick serving.
• If you want crispy skin, you can broil the fillets for the last 2 minutes.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra taste if you like.

What to Serve With Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets

Branzino goes well with lots of sides. I usually serve it with a light salad or roasted veggies. A fresh green salad with olive oil and lemon is perfect.

If you want something warm, try roasted potatoes or steamed green beans. Sometimes I make couscous or rice on the side-it soaks up the extra lemon and butter from the fish.

This fish is light, so it pairs best with simple sides. You can even serve it with some bread to scoop up the sauce.

Keep the flavors fresh and clean, and your meal will taste like it came from a nice restaurant.

How To Store Leftover

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 2 days.

To reheat, use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. That way, the fish stays tender.

Avoid using the microwave-it can dry out the fish. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the fillets in foil or place them in freezer bags.

They’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use fresh Branzino instead of frozen fillets?

Yes, you can! If you use fresh fillets, the cooking time might be a little shorter-about 10 to 12 minutes. Just keep an eye on them. Fresh fish works great in this recipe and tastes even better when it’s very fresh.

2. Do I need to thaw the frozen Branzino fillets from Trader Joe’s before baking?

Nope! That’s the best part. You can cook them straight from the freezer. Just season and bake. It makes dinner super easy.

3. Can I cook this on the stove instead of the oven?

You can, but I prefer the oven. The high heat helps the fish cook evenly and get a nice texture. If you use a pan, make sure it’s non-stick and use medium heat with a lid to trap moisture.

4. What can I use instead of capers?

If you don’t have capers, you can skip them or use chopped green olives for a similar salty bite. Or just stick with plain butter and lemon-it still tastes great!

5. How do I know the fish is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and look white and juicy inside. If it’s still a little see-through, bake for a few more minutes.

6. Can I add other spices?

Sure! You can sprinkle garlic powder or paprika if you want more flavor. I like to keep it simple, but feel free to experiment.

Continue to Content

Yield: 4 fillets

Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Make this Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Recipe in just 20 minutes! A light, flavorful oven-baked fish dinner with lemon, rosemary & caper butter.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb branzino fillets (Trader Joe’s frozen, ~4 fillets)
• 8 sprigs fresh rosemary (2 per fillet)
• Kosher salt, to taste (~1/2 tsp total)
• Black pepper, to taste (~1/4 tsp total)
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus juice for finishing)
• 1 tbsp softened salted butter (e.g., Kerrygold)
• 1/2 tsp capers, finely chopped
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper. This keeps the fish from sticking and makes cleanup fast.
2. Arrange the Fillets: Take the frozen branzino fillets out of the package. Place them flat on the pan so they don’t touch each other. No need to thaw-they cook just fine from frozen.
3. Season the Fish: Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper on both sides of each fillet. I use about 1/8 teaspoon salt per fillet to make sure every bite is tasty.
4. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon olive oil over each fillet. This keeps the fish moist and helps the seasonings stick.
5. Add Rosemary and Lemon: Place two sprigs of rosemary on top of each fillet. Slice the lemon into thin rounds and put two slices on each fillet.
6. Bake the Fillets: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the fish on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks white all the way through.
7. Make the Caper Butter: While the fish bakes, chop the capers and mix them with the softened butter in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
8. Finish and Serve: When the fish is done, take it out of the oven. Remove the lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Place the fillets on plates and spread the caper butter on top while the fish is still hot. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over each fillet for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3.5gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.2gProtein: 23g

This Trader Joe’s Branzino Fillets Recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest meals you can make. It’s quick, fresh, and full of flavor.

Perfect for a simple dinner that still feels a little fancy. Try it once-you’ll see why I keep going back to this dish.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review!