Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Lemon and Olive Oil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Whole sea bream pan-seared until the skin is crisp, finished with fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of fruity olive oil. This greek-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs sea salt, black pepper, all-purpose flour 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 whole sea bream (about 10 oz each) with paper towels. Season inside and out with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Lightly dust each fish with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Add fish to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on the skin side until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip fish and add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the pan; cook for another 3-4 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove fish to a serving platter, drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and additional olive oil if desired. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Lemon and Olive Oil take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Lemon and Olive Oil?

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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Lemon and Olive Oil?

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 Lemon and Olive Oil 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 Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Lemon and Olive Oil?

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