Branzino all’Acqua Pazza (Sea Bass in Tomato and Wine Broth)

In acqua pazza, delicate white fish is poached rather than seared, taking on the flavour of a light broth made with ripe tomato, dry white wine, garlic and a little chilli. This Italian preparation is prized for its clean, briny character: the fish stays tender and moist, while the cooking liquid becomes fragrant enough to spoon over the top. Skin-on sea bass works especially well because it holds together gently in the pan. Finished with extra virgin olive oil and parsley, it is simple enough for a quick dinner but still feels elegant, especially served with crisp crusty bread for the tomato-wine juices.
Cuisine style Italian seafood
Flavor profile Light • Savoury • Tangy • Gently briny
Techniques Gentle poaching • Simmering
Spice level Mild
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Gentle poaching: Cooking the sea bass in a barely simmering broth keeps the flesh moist and delicate.
  • Simple broth, clear flavour: Tomato, garlic, white wine and olive oil create a light cooking liquid that complements the fish without masking it.
  • Built-in sauce: The poaching liquid becomes a fragrant broth to spoon over the fish and serve with bread.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Serve soon after poaching: The fish is at its best when served just after cooking, while the flesh is still tender and the broth is hot.
  • Check the thickest part: Cooking time depends on the thickness of the sea bass; it should be opaque and flake cleanly at the thickest point.

Common mistakes

  • Do not boil the fish hard: A vigorous boil can make the sea bass tighten and break apart. Keep the broth at a gentle simmer once the fish is added.
  • Avoid colouring the garlic: Cook the garlic only until fragrant; browned garlic can turn bitter in such a light broth.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose delicate white fish: Sea bass suits this method because it poaches quickly and stays tender. Sea bream is a close alternative with a similar texture.
  • Use a dry white wine: A crisp, dry wine keeps the broth bright rather than sweet and helps balance the richness of the olive oil.
  • Ripe tomatoes matter: Ripe tomatoes release more juice and give the broth a fresher, rounder flavour.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with crusty bread: Toasted crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the tomato, wine and olive oil broth.
  • Finish with herbs: Parsley keeps the dish clean and fresh, while basil gives a softer, sweeter finish.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Roughly chop the tomatoes and thinly slice the garlic. Pat the sea bass dry, then season it all over with a pinch of the salt and a little of the pepper.
  2. Set a large frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of the olive oil. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant, without letting the garlic colour.
  3. Add the tomatoes, remaining salt and remaining pepper, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. Pour in the white wine and water and bring to a lively simmer.
  4. Lower the heat so the broth barely simmers, then nestle in the sea bass. Cover and gently poach for 8 to 12 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily at the thickest part.
  5. Meanwhile, toast the crusty white bread until crisp and warm. Finely chop the parsley.
  6. Lift the fish out briefly, then simmer the broth uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes if you want it slightly more concentrated. Return the fish to the pan, spoon over the broth, then drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and scatter over the parsley.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Crusty bread

Tips

  • Keep the heat low once the fish goes in: a gentle simmer prevents the flesh from tightening and helps it stay juicy.
  • If your sea bass pieces are thick, give them the full 12 minutes and check doneness at the thickest point; the flesh should flake cleanly.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the fish is cooked until fully opaque and piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Sea bass with Sea bream for a similar delicate texture and cooking time.
  • Replace Chili flakes with Smoked hot paprika for warmth with a smokier flavour.
  • Replace Fresh parsley with Fresh basil for a softer, sweeter herbal finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate the fish and broth in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat until piping hot, taking care not to boil hard or the fish may break up; toast fresh bread to serve.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 35min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Fish Gluten Wheat
Beginner friendly With serving suggestions One pot

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