Baked Santorini Sea Bream with Lemon and Oregano

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A whole sea bream baked with fresh lemon slices, oregano, and olive oil capturing the essence of Santorini’s coastal flavors. This greek-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) whole sea bream, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh oregano leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 Greek cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and pat dry 1 whole sea bream (about 1.5 lbs). Score both sides with 3 diagonal cuts.
  2. Step 2: Rub the fish inside and out with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  3. Step 3: Stuff the cavity with 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 of the 1 lemon thinly sliced. Arrange the remaining lemon slices on top of the fish.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves over the fish and drizzle a little more olive oil on top.
  5. Step 5: Place fish on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the flesh flakes easily and skin is slightly crisp.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with roasted vegetables or a Greek salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Santorini Sea Bream 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 Santorini Sea Bream 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 Santorini Sea Bream 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 Santorini Sea Bream 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 Santorini Sea Bream 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.

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