Baked Greek Sea Bass with Lemon and Oregano
A tender whole sea bass baked with fresh lemon slices and aromatic oregano, capturing the essence of coastal Greek flavors. This greek-inspired seafood (mediterranean herbs) ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, medium, thinly sliced lemon, chopped fresh oregano leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds, cleaned and scaled whole sea bass
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1.5 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the 1.5-pound whole sea bass under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Place the sea bass on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil evenly over the fish, rubbing it all over the skin.
- Step 3: Season the fish inside and out with 1.5 teaspoons sea salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity with half the 1 medium lemon thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves.
- Step 4: Arrange the remaining lemon slices on top of the fish and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon oregano over it. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the lemon slices.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and the skin is slightly golden.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Greek Sea Bass with Lemon and Oregano take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Greek Sea Bass with Lemon and Oregano?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Greek Sea Bass with Lemon and Oregano?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Greek Sea Bass with Lemon and Oregano for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Greek Sea Bass with Lemon and Oregano?
Greek seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.