Branzino in Padella

I love tender, fleshy branzino, the silvery type of seabass, redolent of fresh summertime beaches—I usually order it whenever it’s on a menu, whatever time of year. Try this dish of fish! I was reeled in by this recipe of Branzino in Padella courtesy of Patrizio d’Andrea from the Dopo East restaurant in Manhattan.

PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY, DOPO EAST HAS CLOSED. BUT YOU CAN STILL MAKE THIS DELICIOUS FISH DISH AT HOME!  

Branzino in Padella

Serves Two

Ingredients:

2 branzino fillets (skin on, boneless)

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

1 generous pinch of salt and pepper

1/2 cup of fresh steamed corn kernels

1/3 cup of diced organic baby rainbow carrots (1/3 inch dice)

1/3 cup of diced peeled green asparagus (1/2 inch dice)

1/3 cup of diced purple potatoes (1/4 inch dice)

2 garlic gloves

1 tbsp of chopped fresh scallion

Method: 

Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat and add half of the olive oil. 

Season the branzino fillets on both sides with salt and pepper and then dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess. When the oil is hot, add the branzino fillets skin side down. Gently the press fillets down and cook until the skin is crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a large spatula to turn the fish over and cook on the second side until just cooked through, about 60 seconds more. 

Transfer the fillets to a warm plate in an oven on low.

Rinse and dry your pan, add the remaining olive oil along with the two garlic gloves. Cook at medium heat until golden then remove them, leaving the flavored oil. Bring the heat to medium high and add your chopped vegetables starting with the corn, potatoes, and carrots. Cook the vegetables for 3 minutes then add the green asparagus and the scallion, cooking perhaps a minute more. Make sure not to overcook the asparagus to preserve its vibrant color. 

Add salt and pepper to taste and plate the vegetables under the fish.

Dopo East is located at 345 East 62nd Street, DopoEast.com, 646-484-6548.