Sea bass might be the most underappreciated weeknight dinner miracle in your culinary arsenal.
You’re likely tired of the same rotation of quick meals that sacrifice flavor for convenience.
These eight foolproof baked sea bass recipes change that equation entirely—delivering restaurant-quality results in under 40 minutes.
Each technique transforms this delicate fish into something extraordinary while requiring minimal effort.
From Mediterranean herb crusts to Asian-inspired glazes, these methods will permanently upgrade your weeknight dinner strategy.
Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Sea Bass With Lemon and Olives
This herb-crusted sea bass combines fragrant Mediterranean herbs with briny olives and zesty lemon, creating a light yet flavorful dish that’s elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 2 sea bass fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, half of the herbs, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to form the crust mixture.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the herb crust over fillets, then arrange lemon slices and olives around fish. Add garlic and remaining herbs to the pan.
Step 5: Pour vegetable broth around (not over) the fish, drizzle with remaining olive oil.
Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fiber: 1g
Asian-Inspired Ginger and Soy Glazed Sea Bass
This delicate sea bass is baked with a savory Asian glaze featuring ginger, soy, and garlic. The fragrant combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and umami flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 sea bass fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar.
Step 4: Pour half the mixture over the fish, reserving the rest for serving.
Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges and the reserved sauce.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 280 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 1g
Parchment-Baked Sea Bass With Summer Vegetables
This delicate parchment-baked sea bass steams to perfection with vibrant summer vegetables, creating a light, healthy meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red bell pepper, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, basil, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large parchment paper sheets
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss vegetables with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Place a parchment sheet on a baking tray. Arrange half the vegetable mixture in the center of each sheet.
Step 3: Season sea bass fillets with salt and pepper, then place on top of vegetables. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and top with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
Step 4: Fold parchment paper over fish and vegetables, crimping edges tightly to create sealed packets.
Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Step 6: Carefully open packets (watch for steam) and transfer contents to plates. Serve immediately.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Spicy Moroccan Sea Bass With Harissa and Chickpeas
This Moroccan-inspired sea bass dish combines tender fish with spicy harissa and hearty chickpeas for a flavorful meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons harissa paste, cumin, coriander, half the garlic, and half the lemon juice to create a marinade. Coat the fish fillets with the mixture.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine chickpeas, bell pepper, onion, remaining garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon harissa paste, and remaining lemon juice.
Step 4: Spread the chickpea mixture in a baking dish and place the marinated sea bass fillets on top. Sprinkle with lemon zest.
Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
Coconut Curry Sea Bass With Fresh Lime
This vibrant coconut curry sea bass combines fragrant spices with rich coconut milk and zesty lime, creating a delicate yet flavorful dish that perfectly complements the mild, flaky texture of sea bass.
Ingredients:
- 4 sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat sea bass fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and cumin.
Step 4: Pour in coconut milk and add bell pepper slices. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Place sea bass fillets in the sauce, spooning some sauce over them. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily.
Step 6: Remove from oven and drizzle with lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
Garlic Butter Sea Bass With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This elegant yet simple sea bass dish combines the richness of garlic butter with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 sea bass fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
Step 3: Place cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Step 4: Place seasoned sea bass fillets on the same baking sheet. Drizzle the garlic butter over the fish and place lemon slices on top.
Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and tomatoes are blistered.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with roasted tomatoes alongside the fish.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
Honey Mustard Sea Bass With Crispy Herbs
This delicate sea bass recipe features a sweet honey mustard glaze and crispy herb topping that perfectly complements the fish’s natural flavor.
Ready in under 30 minutes for an elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels and place on prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, both mustards, minced garlic, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until well combined.
Step 4: Brush the honey mustard mixture generously over each fillet.
Step 5: In another bowl, mix chopped herbs, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and remaining olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and herbs are crispy.
Step 7: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 310mg
Middle Eastern Za’atar Sea Bass With Tahini Drizzle
This fragrant Middle Eastern sea bass combines aromatic za’atar with fresh lemon and creamy tahini sauce. The fish bakes to tender perfection while infused with herbs and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 sea bass fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
- 1 lemon, half sliced, half juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat sea bass fillets dry and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, 2 tablespoons za’atar, minced garlic, and juice from half the lemon. Brush mixture over both sides of fish and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Place lemon slices on and around fish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare tahini drizzle by whisking tahini, water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable.
Step 5: Remove fish from oven, sprinkle with remaining za’atar, diced cucumber, and parsley. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve immediately.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
Final Thoughts
You’ve mastered eight sea bass recipes in under 40 minutes—ironically spending more time reading this article than cooking the fish itself.
You’ll now execute these techniques with laboratory precision, calibrating your oven’s temperature gradient and monitoring moisture retention rates.
Your weeknight dinners have transformed into culinary experiments where you’re simultaneously the scientist and beneficiary.
Isn’t it remarkable that such technical perfection requires so little of your precious time?
