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Whole oven baked sea bream served with black rice and fresh green salad on a wooden table.

Oven-Baked Whole Sea Bream (Quick & Easy Recipe)

Dinner
#Easy

If you’re looking for a simple way to prepare whole fish at home, this baked sea bream recipe is a great place to start. With just a few basic ingredients - olive oil, salt and black pepper - you can create a flavorful meal with crispy skin, tender meat, and minimal effort.

Roasting a whole sea bream in the oven is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh fish. There’s no need for complicated marinades or special techniques - just prepare the fish properly, season it well, and let the oven do the work.

The key steps are drying the fish thoroughly, scoring the skin, and seasoning both the outside and the cavity. These simple details help the skin turn lightly golden while keeping the meat moist and perfectly cooked.

For an extra burst of freshness, serve this baked sea bream with our lemon herb dressing. The bright citrus flavor, fresh parsley, and olive oil pair beautifully with the delicate flavor of the fish and make this simple recipe feel even more special.

This oven-baked sea bream is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light weekend meal made with simple ingredients at home.

FAQ

Recipe

5mPreparation
20mCooking
25mTotal
1
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven

    Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C / 350°F fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Prep the sea bream

    Pat the fish thoroughly dry with paper towels inside and out (dry skin crisps much better). Using kitchen shears, trim off the side and belly fins. Check for any remaining scales and scrape them off with the back of a knife.

  3. 3

    Score the skin

    Using a sharp knife, make 3 shallow diagonal slashes into the thickest part of the flesh on both sides of the fish, cutting down to the bone but not through it.

  4. 4

    Season inside and out

    Rub olive oil all over the outside of the fish and inside the cavity, making sure to work it into the slashes. Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper - including inside the cavity.

  5. 5

    Roast and test for doneness

    Place the fish on your prepared baking tray. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes (for a standard 400 - 500g / 14 - 18 oz, one whole bream), until the skin is lightly browned and the flesh near the backbone is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Factsper 100 g serving
Calories183kcal
Fat12.2g
Saturated2.7g
Carbs0.2g
Fiber0.1g
Sugar0.0g
Protein18.1g
Salts1.7g

Nutritional values are approximate estimates. If you have dietary restrictions or medical conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

Storage & Reheating
  1. 1

    Storage: Store any leftover baked sea bream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best flavor and texture, remove the meat from the bones before storing. While the fish is safe to eat cold in salads or sandwiches, it's best enjoyed freshly baked. Reheating: To keep the fish moist, reheat it gently in a 170°C (340°F) oven for 8 - 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fish rubbery and soften the skin.