Name: Lemon and Thyme Roasted Sea Bass
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 sea bass fillets (6 oz / 170 g each); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 tsp salt (approximately, to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (approximately, to taste); 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 tbsp unsalted butter

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Are you ready for a dish that’s light, bright, and bursting with fresh flavor? Let me introduce you to Lemon and Thyme Roasted Sea Bass! This dish is the perfect balance of zesty lemon, fragrant thyme, and perfectly roasted fish that will make your taste buds sing. It’s simple, elegant, and yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for yourself or serving something special to guests, this recipe is sure to shine. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for seafood lovers!

Why You’ll Love Lemon and Thyme Roasted Sea Bass

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience that you’ll want to repeat over and over. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special celebration, this sea bass fits the bill. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Budget-Friendly: Even though it feels fancy, this recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy this delicious seafood dinner!

Quick and Easy: The best part? It’s super simple to make. The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need to be a master chef to create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine restaurant.

Customizable: If you like things a bit more garlicky, go ahead and add more garlic. Want a little extra heat? A pinch of chili flakes can do the trick. Adjust it to your taste!

Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of fresh lemon, thyme, and sea bass is like a breath of fresh air. It’s light, bright, and full of vibrant flavors that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Lemon and Thyme Roasted Sea Bass:

Sea Bass: This flaky, mild fish is the star of the dish. Its delicate texture makes it the perfect canvas for the zesty lemon and aromatic thyme.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a bright, citrusy zing that balances the richness of the sea bass. It adds that pop of freshness we all crave!

Thyme: Fresh thyme brings a herby, earthy note to the dish. It complements the citrus beautifully, infusing the fish with fragrance and flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds savory depth and a little aromatic punch. It’s a must for bringing out all those delicious flavors.

Olive Oil: A generous drizzle of good olive oil ensures the fish stays tender and moist as it roasts, while also enhancing the natural flavors.

Salt & Pepper: Simple, but essential! Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the flavors of the fish and other ingredients, ensuring everything comes together perfectly.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking—this dish is so simple and yet so delicious!

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for getting that perfect roast and crispy skin on the sea bass.

Prepare the Fish: Pat the sea bass dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy when it roasts. Place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Season the Fish: Drizzle the fish with olive oil and rub it all over. Then, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Lay fresh thyme sprigs on top of the fish, and squeeze a little lemon juice over it. Don’t forget to zest a bit of lemon on top for that extra citrusy kick!

Roast the Sea Bass: Place the fish in the oven and roast for about 12-15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The skin should be golden and slightly crispy—perfectly roasted!

Finishing Touches: Once the fish is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Squeeze a little more fresh lemon juice over the top to add a final burst of citrus.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Lemon and Thyme Roasted Sea Bass with your favorite sides and enjoy the light, fresh flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Lemon and Thyme Roasted Sea Bass

This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a few delicious sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Roasted Vegetables: Pair the sea bass with roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The natural sweetness of the vegetables complements the fish beautifully.

Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa works wonderfully to soak up the citrusy juices from the fish. You can even add a few herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it fresh and light.

Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with arugula, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the sea bass.

Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread can be the perfect accompaniment to this meal, especially if you want something hearty to soak up the flavors.

Steamed Vegetables: For an extra healthy twist, steamed broccoli or spinach can round out the meal with a touch of green.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make sure this dish is a total success:

Prep Ahead: You can prep the fish by seasoning it and covering it in the fridge for up to an hour before roasting. This allows the flavors to marinate.

Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika to the seasoning mix for some extra warmth.

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme really makes a difference in this dish. Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but fresh will give you that fragrant, herby punch.

Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the fish from drying out.

Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double or triple if you’re cooking for a crowd. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time slightly for larger portions.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute sea bass with other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: While it’s best fresh out of the oven, you can prep the fish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to an hour before roasting.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the texture intact.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze the fish for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap it well and thaw it overnight before reheating.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: The best way to reheat the sea bass is to place it back in a hot oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

Q6: Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
A6: Yes, dried thyme will work in a pinch, but fresh thyme really elevates the dish with its fragrance and flavor.

Q7: Can I add more lemon?
A7: Yes! If you love lemon, feel free to squeeze a bit more over the fish before serving or add extra zest for a zesty finish.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicy?
A8: Yes, you can add some chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the seasoning for an extra kick. Adjust the heat to your taste.

Q9: Can I grill the sea bass instead of roasting it?
A9: Yes! Grilling the sea bass will give it a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to grill it on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re cooking for more people, feel free to double the ingredients and roast the fish in batches or use a larger baking sheet.

Conclusion

Lemon and Thyme Roasted Sea Bass is a simple, yet stunning dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The bright, citrusy flavors paired with the aromatic thyme and tender fish will transport your taste buds to a place of pure delight. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe has you covered. Try it out—you won’t regret it!