Baked Sea Bass With Black Olive Sauce
Baked sea bass with a flavorful black olive sauce offers a delicate seafood dish infused with herbs and Mediterranean flavors, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine garlic, olives, oregano, basil, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Season the mixture to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish at 425°F for 1 minute.
- Spread the olive mixture evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange the sea bass fillets, skin side up, on top of the olive mixture.
- Pour vegetable stock or white wine around the fillets.
- Bake, basting occasionally with juices, for 15 minutes or until the fish is done.
- To serve, arrange the fillets and olive mixture on heated serving plates.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, you can marinate the sea bass fillets in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. If black olives aren't available, green olives can be a suitable substitute. Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Ensure the baking dish is hot before adding the olive mixture to help the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the olive sauce. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce. For a complete Mediterranean experience, complement it with a glass of dry white wine or explore other Mediterranean recipes that feature seafood.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked sea bass can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Sea Bass With Black Olive Sauce contains roughly 2072 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 230g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1837mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
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 or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fillets, as some fish may cook faster than others.
What can I serve with baked sea bass?
Baked sea bass is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier option, roasted potatoes or a Mediterranean grain salad would complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare the olive sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The olive sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before spreading it in the baking dish. This can enhance the flavors, making it even tastier when combined with the fish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).