This Mediterranean Grilled Sea Bass is light, fresh, and packed with coastal Mediterranean flavor. Whole sea bass is seasoned with fragrant garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon, then grilled until the skin becomes perfectly crispy while the flesh remains tender and flaky. Roasted cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs complete this elegant yet simple seafood dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or impressive dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light, healthy, and full of fresh flavor
Perfectly crispy skin with tender flaky fish
Simple Mediterranean ingredients
Quick and easy seafood dinner
Restaurant-quality presentation at home
Ingredients
Sea Bass
2 whole sea bass (about 1–1½ lbs each), cleaned and scaled
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large lemon, sliced
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Mediterranean Vegetables
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata or green olives)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Fresh Herb Garnish
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
For Serving
Extra lemon wedges
Crusty bread or roasted potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish
Pat the sea bass dry with paper towels.
Score the skin lightly on both sides with a sharp knife.
Rub the fish inside and out with olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and a few fresh herbs.
Allow to marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables
In a bowl, toss cherry tomatoes and olives with olive oil and oregano.
Set aside until ready to cook.
- Grill the Sea Bass
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
Place the fish directly on the grill grates.
Cook for 6–8 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
- Roast the Tomatoes & Olives
While the fish cooks, roast the tomatoes and olives in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.
- Assemble & Serve
Transfer the grilled sea bass to a serving platter.
Arrange roasted tomatoes and olives around the fish.
Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley, dill, and basil.
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
Use branzino if sea bass isn’t available
Add capers for extra Mediterranean flavor
Cook on a grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t possible
Stuff the fish with rosemary and thyme for extra aroma
Serve with couscous or Greek salad for a complete meal
What to Serve With Mediterranean Grilled Sea Bass
Greek salad
Lemon herb couscous
Roasted potatoes
Grilled vegetables
Warm crusty bread
Quick Info
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fillets instead of whole fish?
Yes. Sea bass fillets work wonderfully and cook even faster.
How do I know when sea bass is done?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes.
What type of olives work best?
Kalamata olives are traditional, but any quality Mediterranean olive works well.
