Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Fennel and Olive Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate sea bream fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a bright, briny olive and fennel salsa that evokes the Greek islands. This greek-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 20 minutes blends olive oil, small, finely diced fennel bulb, pitted and chopped kalamata olives into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 small finely diced fennel bulb, 1/3 cup chopped kalamata olives, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves, and 1 minced garlic clove. Stir well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 sea bream fillets (6 oz each) with skin on and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Serve the fish topped with the fennel and olive salsa, garnished with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Fennel and Olive Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Fennel and Olive Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Fennel and Olive Salsa?

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 Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Fennel and Olive Salsa 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 Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Fennel and Olive Salsa?

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.

Related recipes