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Italian Pan-Seared Branzino with Caper-Lemon Emulsion and Crispy Polenta

Prep 15 min · Cook 25 min · Serves 2 · medium

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Italian Pan-Seared Branzino with Caper-Lemon Emulsion and Crispy Polenta

Delicate Mediterranean branzino with a silky caper-lemon beurre blanc, served over creamy polenta infused with Pecorino Romano. A refined yet approachable Italian coastal classic that celebrates simple, premium ingredients with traditional technique.

Ingredients

  • 2 fillets branzino fillets, 5-6 oz each, skin-on, patted dry
  • 3/4 cup polenta, coarse cornmeal
  • 3 cups vegetable broth, warm
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 whole fresh lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for searing
  • to taste sea salt
  • to taste cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until creamy and thickened.

  2. 2

    Stir 2 tablespoons butter and Pecorino Romano into polenta. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.

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