Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Lemon-Infused Olive Oil and Dill

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

Lightly pan-seared whole sea bream seasoned with lemon and fresh dill, showcasing simple Greek seafood flavors with a crisp, golden skin. This greek-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh dill, finely grated lemon zest 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. 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: 12 min Serves 2 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 whole sea bream fish (about 1 pound each) with paper towels. Season inside and out with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the olive oil mixture to the pan and swirl to coat.
  4. Step 4: Place one sea bream in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, spooning some of the olive oil mixture over the fish as it cooks, until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Repeat with the second fish and remaining olive oil mixture. Serve immediately, spooning any pan juices over the fish for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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-Infused Olive Oil and Dill?

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

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-Infused Olive Oil and Dill 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-Infused Olive Oil and Dill?

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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