Whole Baked Sea Bass
Whole Baked Sea Bass fish marinated in a simple yet flavorful mixture of lemon, tomato, garlic, herbs, and other spices. It’s simple, easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful!
Whole baked fish is one of my favorite ways to eat fish. It has become my go-to meal when I’m tired, lazy, or need to put some food quickly on the table. It is simple and effortless to make and never fails to satisfy.
We also put fish on our holiday menu as a healthy break from all the fatty and oily main dishes. And did you know that eating cooked fish on New Year’s Day also brings good luck?
Well, that’s another reason for you to make this sea bass recipe here this coming holidays. But one thing I can say tho, that you won’t regret savoring all the flavors in this humble dish!
Oh, and did I mention it is as push-button easy to make. Get the ingredients below, pulse them, oil the fish, and throw in some tomatoes and onions. And that’s it! You won’t be needing as much tho with this recipe. Below is what you’ll be needing for this recipe.
- sea bass (or any white fish like red snapper or tilapia)
- lemon
- parsley, basil
- tomato, garlic, onion
- cherry tomatoes
- chicken bouillon
- water or oil
- salt and pepper
Pretty easy, right? Simply place the fish on a foil or parchment paper after marinating, pop them in the oven, cross your legs and let the oven do its thing.
Yes, that easy and it’s healthy too!
Just like other fish, sea bass is also rich in Omega 3 and protein. They’re also a good source of vitamin B12, phosphorus, and manganese.
It’s a foolproof recipe which comes out moist and succulent all the time. The bones and head add flavor to fish, so don’t even think of taking it off. If you’re still on the fence about eating fish, you’d better try this baked fish recipe here.
Sea Bass is actually mildly sweet and full of meaty consistency. So it isn’t that “fishy” at all.
One bite of this and it reminds me of the many markets that pop up along the side of the road in the evening in various neighborhoods in my home town Yaounde (Cameroon).
Set up with bbq pits or grills with an array of food to grill. Some of the foods include but are not limited to chicken, fish, plantains, cocoyams, corn, meat, and other street foods. How I long for those days…
When all I could think about was saving up to visit the markets- so I can get a thing or two and satisfy my cravings. I am telling you, these food markets have an appeal of their own and often are the center of attention from everyone -ranging from businessmen, young ladies, students, and even families. Oh yes!
Aside from tilapia, I love roasting or grilling Stripped Seabass, too. It’s a very versatile fish that can really stand up to the strong flavor.
You can serve this fish with plantains or potatoes (roasted, fried, or grilled). And don’t forget to serve it with this pepper sauce HERE (if that is your thing😉).
More Easy Seafood Recipes To Try
This recipe was republished in December 2016 and has been updated with added tips and notes.
Whole Baked Sea Bass
Ingredients
- 2 white fish (sea bass, red snapper, or tilapia) , approximately 1-2 pounds; scaled and gutted white fish
- 1 lemon (or limes if that's what's available)
- salt and pepper to season
- ½ bunch parsley
- 1 small onion , sliced and divided
- ½ bunch basil
- 1 small tomato
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon or cubes , optional
- ½ -1 cup water or oil
- 1-2 cups cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Make 3-4 diagonal cuts in each side of the fish, all the way right through the bone.
- Squeeze some lemon over it. Season fish with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Chop parsley, onion (½ sliced onion), basil, tomato, and garlic. Add to a food processor or blender. Blend/pulse while adding oil/water as needed until the ingredients are in puree form. If desired, add chicken bouillon to the puree, thoroughly mix.
- Pour the marinade over the fish, and gently flip them back and forth until coated inside and out.
- For best results, let it marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Use a cooking spray to oil the bottom of a roasting pan to prevent fish from sticking to the pan. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of water or oil on the fish and throw in the cherry tomatoes and the rest of the onion slices.
- Bake in a roasting pan (leave it open) at 450 F (232 C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish.
- Serve warm with plantains or potatoes and this African Pepper Sauce HERE.
Tips & Notes:
- Before you buy fish, check the eyes. They are a good indicator that the fish is fresh and healthy. They should be crystal-clear, plump, wet, and shiny. No bruises. And definitely no foul smell. They should smell like water. Yes! I know water has no smell. Oh, and the gills should be bright red.
- No need to flip your fish over. It’s still going to get soggy anyway- unless you are cooking it on a rack.
- If you want this completely paleo, skip the chicken bouillon and just salt accordingly.
- I always bake fish on foil or parchment paper as it makes for easier cleanup. Use a cooking spray to oil before adding the fish. This prevents the fish from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust oil as needed according to preference and dietary needs (I use half water and half cooking oil – no preference in cooking oil.)
- You may use this marinade on fish fillets. Just reduce the cooking time and don’t forget to spray the pan to prevent the fish from sticking to it. Cook for about 12 minutes or more depending on the thickness of the fish.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Thanks for this yummy recipe!!! I’ve made it 3 times so far and all my guests were delighted
Oh wow, I’m glad about it! Thank you so much, Lynda.
Happy cooking!
So glad I found the recipe. Very easy to follow. Made it my own by adding some homemade jerk marinade and enjoyed it with some banku. Thank you for sharing.
This was BOMB. The seasoning was delicious. Thanks for the recipe! The second time I made it, I added some massaged kale (with lemon juice, salt, and olive oil) so it can roast a bit in the last few minutes of baking.
Awesome!!!! Those add-ins sound delish! Thanks for stopping by :).
Hello I still don’t see the pepper sauce recipe??
Here it is https://www.africanbites.com/african-pepper-sauce/. Do let me know how it works out for you.
Tried out this recipe for an easy weekend dinner and it came out perfect. Love the marinade and how it complements the seabass.
Thank you!!!
Good day Imma,
My name is Opeyemi,am from Nigeria. i just resign my job as a banker and now i sell fresh water fish.
Am looking at adding value to it, i need your professional advice on what and what to do.
Thank you.
Awesome recipe! My husband cant stop praising, ate every single tiny piece of flesh and sauce/herbs. I have never seen fish bones so bare & clean in our house before!
Wohooo! I’m so happy it was big hit. Thank you for letting me know. Happy weekend!
I’m a big whole fish eating person. You’re recipe blew away all the others that I’ve been using. I usually use the fish, parchment method. But find I prefer the Pam or olive oil foil method. I also love your tomato based sauce as opposed to an egg based French hollandaise sauce. I also love your pepper sauce too, especially since we love ke spicy food in our household. Thanks again for this great and easy dinner/lunch recipe. It’s so simple to prepare and so tasty too.
I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Thank you for the wonderful feedback. And a big yesss to spicy food! 😉
My husband and I are always trying to outdo one another by preparing menu items we’ve never had before. I was my turn so I prepared this dish and it blew both of our socks off. The depth of flavors were mind blowing. Thanks for sharing.
I love that idea, Ovita, only that my hubby would do grilled recipes only. 😀 . Glad you both like it! Thanks for letting me know.
Hi.. the recipe is amazing. I always wanted to find a fish recipe and this was the one thank you so much.
My question: do you think i can make it with fillet fish? I found it so hard to feed kids with bone in fish.. if yes, what do you recommend?
Thanks again
You sure can. Reduce cooking time pan and don’t forget to spray pan to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan. Cook for about 12 minutes or more depending on the thickness of the fish.
Will definitely try with fish filet …
I made this dish for my Father and I tonight, it was delicious. Very tender, flaky and flavorful.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know, Julia!
I can’t find how to use chicken bouillons in directions. Could you add it?
Of course, Recipe has been updated . Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I’m making this now.. I know very late up. Bought a whole goat so was cleaning and seasoning it.. long process and decided to cook some curry goat and this fish one time too . Question-Yours looks so saucy? I have a next fish marninading.I will do again and follow the receipe to a T. Maybe, your sauce is from the blender marinade? If so,I will blend up ib the blender ( I was lazy and skipped that part.. I just used some green seasoning …
I used this recipe back in December when I decided to try cooking a whole fish for the first time and it was amazing! I’ve repeated this one twice since, and it is one of the best things I’ve ever made.
I can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Awesome! Thank you so much!
Hi Imma, Do you have the recipe for the bobolo that is often served with roasted fish like this (for instance in Bamenda)?
Sorry I don’t have it yet.
Hi! Is it possible to use ground parsley and basil? If so how much would you recommend? I never use the fresh products up and end up throwing it out. Thanks