Baked Mediterranean Sea Bass with Lemon and Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Whole sea bass baked with lemon slices, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs for a bright and savory Mediterranean flavor. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium lemon, thinly sliced, Kalamata olives, pitted for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse 2 whole sea bass (about 1.5 lbs each) and pat dry with paper towels. Score skin on both sides with 3 shallow diagonal cuts.
  2. Step 2: Rub each fish inside and out with 3 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper evenly.
  3. Step 3: Stuff the cavity of each fish with half of 1 medium thinly sliced lemon, 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, and 2 sliced garlic cloves.
  4. Step 4: Place fish on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange remaining lemon slices, olives, oregano, and garlic around the fish.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with pan juices and garnishes.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Mediterranean Sea Bass with Lemon and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Mediterranean Sea Bass with Lemon and Olives?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Mediterranean Sea Bass with Lemon and Olives?

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 Mediterranean Sea Bass with Lemon and Olives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mediterranean Sea Bass with Lemon and Olives?

Mediterranean 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.

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