Baked Sea Bass with Fennel Recipe
Introduction
Baked sea bass with fennel is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights fresh, Mediterranean flavors. This recipe combines tender sea bass with aromatic fennel, lemon, and basil, making it perfect for a light and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 small sea bass, scaled and gutted (ask your fishmonger to do this)
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Handful basil leaves, roughly torn
- Small handful black olives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Rinse the sea bass under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step 2: Season the fish all over with salt and pepper. Stuff each fish cavity with some fennel slices, lemon slices, and torn basil leaves.
- Step 3: Scatter the remaining fennel, basil, lemon slices, and black olives evenly into a roasting tin. Place the prepared sea bass on top.
- Step 4: Drizzle the olive oil over each fish to keep them moist during baking.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and starts to brown on top.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the sea bass in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the roasting tin for an herbal aroma.
- If you prefer, use white wine instead of some of the olive oil to drizzle over the fish for added moisture and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover baked sea bass in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sea bass for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sea bass, but be sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How do I know when the sea bass is cooked?
The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach around 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
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Baked Sea Bass with Fennel Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful baked sea bass recipe infused with aromatic fennel, fresh lemon, basil, and black olives, delivering a light and healthy Mediterranean dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fish and Aromatics
- 2 small sea bass, scaled and gutted
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Handful of basil leaves, roughly torn
- Small handful black olives
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to season
- Black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6 to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the sea bass.
- Prepare the Fish: Rinse the sea bass under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season the fish all over with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Stuff the Fish: Take some of the sliced fennel, lemon slices, and torn basil leaves, and carefully stuff them inside the cavity of each sea bass to infuse the fish with fresh, aromatic flavors as it bakes.
- Arrange the Roasting Tin: Scatter any remaining fennel slices, lemon slices, basil leaves, and black olives evenly into a roasting tin. This will act as a flavorful bed for the fish.
- Place the Fish and Drizzle Oil: Lay the stuffed sea bass on top of the scattered ingredients in the roasting tin. Drizzle each fish with the olive oil to help keep the fish moist and encourage browning during cooking.
- Bake: Place the roasting tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and starting to brown on top. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the baked sea bass to a serving plate and spoon over some of the roasted fennel, lemon, basil, and olives from the tin. Enjoy this fresh, light Mediterranean meal immediately.
Notes
- Ask your fishmonger to scale and gut the sea bass to save preparation time.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size of your fish to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh herbs like basil for maximum flavor infusion during baking.
- Olive oil drizzle helps crisp the skin and keep the fish moist.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baked sea bass, fennel, lemon, basil, Mediterranean fish recipe, healthy seafood, easy baked fish
