Baked Sea Bass (Mediterranean Style with Olives and Tomatoes)

Baked Sea Bass is a classic Mediterranean recipe that combines fresh fish with vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. This dish is not only elegant and flavorful but also incredibly healthy, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Sea bass is highly prized in Mediterranean cuisine for its mild, flaky texture and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. When baked, it remains moist and tender while developing a light, savory crust. Paired with juicy tomatoes and briny olives, the dish offers a balance of freshness and richness that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

This easy baked sea bass recipe is inspired by coastal cooking traditions from Italy, Greece, and southern France. It requires minimal preparation, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques. Whether you are following a Mediterranean diet, looking for a healthy fish recipe, or simply craving a light and satisfying meal, this baked sea bass will not disappoint.

In addition to being delicious, sea bass is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, and essential minerals. Baking the fish instead of frying keeps the calorie count reasonable while preserving its natural nutrients.

Serve this Mediterranean baked sea bass with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad. It pairs beautifully with white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. With its vibrant colors and fresh aroma, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests while remaining easy enough for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

• 2 whole sea bass (cleaned and scaled) or 2–3 sea bass fillets
• 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Prepare the sea bass. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Arrange the base. Spread the cherry tomatoes, olives, and sliced garlic evenly across the baking dish. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with oregano and thyme.
4. Add the fish. Place the sea bass on top of the tomato and olive mixture. Arrange lemon slices over and around the fish.
5. Drizzle and bake. Pour the remaining olive oil over the fish. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Finish and serve. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot.