Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that will impress your family and friends? Then look no further! This baked whole sea bass recipe is your answer. It's a delicious dish that's packed with flavor, requires minimal effort, and is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe showcases the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of sea bass. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet stunning dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole sea bass (about 1.5 lbs), scaled and gutted
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Sea Bass
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your sea bass cooks evenly and to perfection.
- Rinse the sea bass thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Make small incisions along both sides of the fish. This will allow the herbs and flavors to penetrate more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Seasoning and Baking the Sea Bass
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant and flavorful paste.
- Rub this mixture generously all over the sea bass, ensuring every inch is coated. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
- Stuff the cavity of the sea bass with lemon slices, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. The herbs will infuse the fish with a delightful aroma and taste.
- Place the seasoned sea bass on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Baking to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your sea bass. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the sea bass from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your baked sea bass immediately. It's delightful on its own, but you can also pair it with various sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some fluffy rice. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a bright, zesty finish.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the sea bass in the garlic-herb mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as oregano, parsley, or dill.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
- To add a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the sea bass before baking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the size of the sea bass and the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This baked whole sea bass recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It's a quick, easy, and impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!