A succulent dish of oven-baked sea bass infused with fresh tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and basil flavors. This recipe highlights the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Ingredients (for four people)
- 1 whole sea bass, cleaned and scaled
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 whole garlic bulb, halved horizontally
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp crushed black peppercorns
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
Place the sea bass on a baking tray. Season it inside and out with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Lay sliced tomatoes on the tray around the fish, and place lemon slices and a handful of fresh spinach inside the fish cavity along with basil leaves. Place the halved garlic bulbs beside the fish.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle the fish and vegetables generously with olive oil, ensuring the garlic is well-coated so it roasts nicely.
Step 5: Bake
Roast the sea bass in the oven for 35 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked and the skin is crisp and golden.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with extra basil leaves. Serve immediately, squeezing the roasted garlic onto the fish for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing the Right Sea Bass Fish: Look for fresh sea bass with bright, clear eyes and firm flesh. Check out our general principles on choosing fish on the market.
- Add a white wine splash to the baking tray before roasting for extra flavor.
- Ensure the garlic is well-coated with oil to avoid it burning during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this roasted sea bass with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, or a light green salad. A simple garlic and herb rice or crusty bread would also complement the dish.
Wine Matching
- General Wine Suggestion: A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, complements the delicate flavors of the fish.
- Bulgarian wine: Try pairing it with a glass of Tamianka, a fragrant Bulgarian white wine, or a light Misket.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at a low temperature to prevent the fish from drying out.
- Freezing: While best served fresh, raw sea bass can be frozen for up to one month.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: No dairy products are used in this recipe.
About Oven Roasted Sea Bass
Oven-roasted sea bass is a traditional dish in Mediterranean coastal regions. The fish’s mild flavor makes it an ideal canvas for fresh, aromatic ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and basil. This simple preparation highlights the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and the fresh herbs’ fragrance, making it a light and healthy meal full of flavor. This method of cooking sea bass (лаврак, in Bulgarian) is famous in Bulgaria, and it combines traditional Bulgarian spices and tastes.
Cultural Context
Sea bass is a beloved ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Italy and Greece, where it’s often paired with tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs. This dish’s simplicity reflects the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, healthy preparations. Many famous chefs, including Jamie Oliver and Giada De Laurentiis, have embraced roasted sea bass as a go-to recipe for showcasing Mediterranean flavors.
