Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and surprisingly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This whole roasted sea bass recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal prep time, and looks incredibly impressive on the table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and simple dish – a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole sea bass (about 1.5 lbs), cleaned and scaled
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Preparing the Sea Bass:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the sea bass under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This ensures crispy skin.
- Make small incisions along both sides of the fish. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper.
Roasting the Sea Bass:
- Place the sea bass in a baking dish large enough to comfortably hold it.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the fish.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of the sea bass with lemon slices, rosemary, thyme, and smashed garlic cloves. If using, add the red onion slices as well.
- Arrange the remaining lemon slices and herbs around the fish in the baking dish.
Cooking and Serving:
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the fish. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the sea bass from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Sea Bass:
- Don't overcook! Overcooked sea bass will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature.
- Fresh herbs are best. Fresh rosemary and thyme provide a much brighter flavor than dried herbs.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices as desired.
- Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Variations:
- Mediterranean Sea Bass: Add cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and oregano to the baking dish for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Sea Bass: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a little heat.
- Garlic and Herb Butter: Melt some butter with garlic and herbs and drizzle it over the cooked sea bass.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy recipe delivers a healthy and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick dinner or a more elegant occasion. The delicious combination of sea bass, lemon, and herbs creates a dish that's both satisfying and impressive. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and remember to share your culinary creations! This healthy meal is sure to become a favorite in your recipe book. It's a delicious dish that showcases the best of simple, homemade cooking.