Census-Style Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate, citrusy seafood dish reflecting the cultural diversity of U.S. populations. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs pcs sea bass fillets, medium lemon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 3.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 sea bass fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat each fillet with the herb-infused oil mixture.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze 1/4 cup lemon juice over the fillets, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated lemon zest.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with additional dill and a lemon wedge for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Census-Style Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Census-Style Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs?

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 pcs sea bass fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Census-Style Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs?

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 Census-Style Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs 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 Census-Style Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs?

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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