Jerk Sea Bass with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Introduction
This Jerk Sea Bass with Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. The spicy jerk marinade perfectly complements the fresh, sweet pineapple salsa for a refreshing contrast. It’s an excellent choice for grilling season or a light and exciting dinner.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- Thumb-sized piece ginger, finely grated
- 1 lime, zested
- 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 4 small or 2 large whole sea bass, gutted and scaled
- 100g pineapple, finely chopped
- ½ cucumber, finely chopped
- ¼ small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- ½ small bunch coriander, finely chopped, plus extra to serve
- 2 limes, zested and juiced, plus extra charred wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix the jerk seasoning, grated garlic, grated ginger, lime zest, and rapeseed oil to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Using a sharp knife, cut slits into the skin of the sea bass and rub the marinade liberally over the fish. Place the fish on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Step 3: To prepare the pineapple salsa, combine the chopped pineapple, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, chopped coriander, and the zest and juice of 2 limes in a bowl. Cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for up to 1 hour before serving.
- Step 4: Place each marinated fish on a sheet of foil, folding the sides up to create an open-topped boat shape. Cook the fish on a barbecue for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
- Step 5: Alternatively, preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7 and bake the fish on a non-stick baking tray for 15-20 minutes until just cooked.
- Step 6: Serve the cooked sea bass scattered with extra coriander and pineapple salsa on the side, accompanied by charred lime wedges.
Tips & Variations
- Cooking the fish on foil helps prevent the skin from sticking to the grill, making turning easier and keeping the fish intact.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the jerk seasoning or remove it from the marinade.
- Try adding a touch of fresh chili to the salsa for some extra heat and zing.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked fish and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the fish gently in a low oven to keep it moist. The salsa is best served fresh but can be kept chilled for up to a day.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute sea bass with other firm white fish such as snapper, cod, or haddock. Just ensure the fish is fresh and suitable for grilling or baking.
How can I make the salsa ahead of time?
You can prepare the pineapple salsa a few hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld, but it’s best not to refrigerate too long as the fresh textures may soften.
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Jerk Sea Bass with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorsome recipe featuring whole sea bass marinated in a zesty jerk seasoning, grilled or baked to perfection and served with a refreshing pineapple salsa. This dish combines the warmth of Caribbean spices with the sweetness of fresh pineapple and the zing of lime, offering a delightful and healthy seafood meal.
Ingredients
Sea Bass and Marinade
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- thumb-sized piece ginger, finely grated
- 1 lime, zested
- 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 4 small or 2 large whole sea bass, gutted and scaled
Pineapple Salsa
- 100g pineapple, finely chopped
- ½ cucumber, finely chopped
- ¼ small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- ½ small bunch coriander, finely chopped, plus extra to serve
- 2 limes, zested and juiced, plus extra charred wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the jerk seasoning, finely grated garlic, finely grated ginger, lime zest, and rapeseed oil until well combined to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Fish: Score the skin of the sea bass with a sharp knife to create slits, allowing the marinade to penetrate. Rub the marinade liberally all over the fish, including inside the slits. Place the marinated fish on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa: Combine finely chopped pineapple, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, chopped coriander, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl. Cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for up to 1 hour to develop the flavors.
- Prepare Fish for Cooking: Place each marinated fish on a sheet of aluminum foil. Fold the sides of the foil up around the fish to create an open-topped boat shape. This prevents sticking and retains moisture during cooking.
- Cook the Fish: Option A: Grill the fish on a barbecue for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking for even doneness, until cooked through. Option B: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/Gas mark 7, place the fish on a non-stick baking tray, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until just cooked. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked sea bass to serving plates. Scatter with extra chopped coriander and serve alongside the pineapple salsa and charred lime wedges for squeezing over.
Notes
- Marinating the fish for at least one hour enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Using foil during cooking prevents the fish skin from sticking to the grill or baking tray.
- Turning the fish halfway on the grill ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Charred lime wedges add a smoky citrus note that complements the jerk seasoning well.
- You can adjust the amount of jerk seasoning based on your spice preference.
- This recipe works well with other white fish if sea bass is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Keywords: jerk sea bass, pineapple salsa, grilled fish, Caribbean fish recipe, healthy seafood, jerk seasoning, summer fish dish

