An electrosurgical instrument for the electrocoagulation of tissue includes a jaw part which has two instrument branches. At least one instrument branch is movable in relation to the other instrument branch such that the jaw part can be brought into an open position or into a closed position. Facing sides of the instrument branches, respectively intended as grip faces, are configured for the clamping hold of tissue to be coagulated in the closed position. Each instrument branch has at least one electrode face. The grip faces have an electrically insulating design. Each electrode face is arranged in the grip face of the respective instrument branch and is recessed in the grip face on at least one of the instrument branches.
