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.
Mario Lloyd jr says
Highly recommend delicious
imma africanbites says
Thank you for the wonderful feedback.
M says
Hi! Just wondering, is this recipe for 1-2lb of fish total? Or is it 1-2lb per fish? Looks delicious!!
imma africanbites says
Hello. That’s 1-2 pounds of fish in total.
DW says
This turned out fabulous and was super easy to make. One fish was enough for hubby and myself. Will definitely make again
KAY says
Imma, it’s a lie oh… you better give Cameroonians credit oh! 🙂
We have the BEST AUTHENTIC FOOD IN WEST AFRICA!!! 🙂
Sorry, my other WAns, I know the truth hurts. 🙂 Senegalese are good too, but seem to have a lot of French influence.
By the way, I don’t know you personally, but I hope you are working on getting a Food Network or some kind of cooking channel show.
Go for it, and put Cameroonians on the map, sista girl!
Early on, your website was one of the best for African recipes that I had ever visited. So I know you can do greater things, when you are ready.
All the very best to you!
Évelyne says
I have made this recipe many times with seabass and it is out of this world! Just an amazing combination of flavors! Thank you
I was wondering if I could use it with fresh trout. Would the cooking time be different and will the flavors work together? Thanks
ImmaculateBites says
Yess! Can’t get enough of it! So glad you liked it too!
Wanna says
This was absolutely delicious. My family enjoyed it so much they are asking for a repeat asap and they barely ever eat whole fish. Thank you so much for posting this recipe.
ImmaculateBites says
You’re welcome! 🙂 Glad your gang loved it!
Deb H. says
Simple and easy with amazing flavor. Great way to add whole fish to your meal plan.
Kristina says
This recipe is simple and delicious! It brought me back to my childhood and tasted just like my grandma would make. Love it!!
Immaculate Bites says
Aww. Touching! Thank you, Kristina! How about some Decadent Coffee and Desserts To Make Your Day? Enjoy!
Luwiza says
Your recipes never fail, the fish was just amazing, thankyou
Immaculate Bites says
I’m glad to know you enjoyed this recipe, Luwiza!
helen says
this recipe is easy to make, yummy!!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Helen! 🙂
Kendy says
I loved this! Do you have any more recommendations for what I can use this marinade for???
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Kendy! Thank you! You can use it for other fish or fish fillet recipes 🙂
TONI C. HAIGLER says
This recipe was full of flavor. The sauce combination was so delicious. I will use it next time on fish fillets. I actually made two fish – one sea bass and one tilapia. Both were delicious. The combination of garlic, parsley and basil created a unique flavor. Thanks for this recipe!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Toni!
Sonia says
This was absolutely delicious!!! I’ve been trying to find a fool proof sea bass recipe, and this is it. Easy to make, looks beautiful, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about the taste. Thank you!!
imma africanbites says
Wohooo! SO happy to know that this made a great impression.
Luis says
Hi do you have a video of this recipe, please?
ImmaculateBites says
Not yet ! Will put this on the video list.
Brenna says
I’m about to serve this for the first time!! I was wondering what part of Africa this dish is inspired from. Thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Hello! There isn’t one country . It is inspired from West African Cooking – Whole fish is marinated with herbs , spices and grilled