Baked sea bream

Baked Sea Bream with Garlic and Vegetables - A Delicacy for Your Taste Buds!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today we have prepared a simple yet absolutely delicious recipe: baked sea bream. This fish, prized for its delicate flesh and refined taste, is perfect for those moments when you crave a healthy yet hearty meal. Even if you are not a big fan of fish, we promise this recipe will win you over!

A Brief History of Sea Bream

Sea bream is a fish that has been appreciated for thousands of years in global gastronomy. From royal banquets to small seaside restaurants, sea bream has always been a symbol of culinary joy. Prepared simply, as we will do today, it allows the natural flavors to shine, letting you enjoy every bite.

Ingredients

- 2 fresh sea bream (approximately 300-400 g each)
- 1 large tomato
- 1 green onion
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- A pinch of hot paprika (optional, for a bit of spice)
- 1 large clove of garlic
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Approximately 120 ml water

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

Start by cleaning the sea bream. If you are not familiar with this process, ask a fisherman or fishmonger for help, who can quickly teach you how to remove the scales and entrails. Once cleaned, rinse the fish under cold running water, then dry it well with paper towels. It is essential for the fish to be dry to fry evenly.

Step 2: Marinating

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, hot paprika, and crushed garlic. This marinade will give the fish an intense and delicious flavor. Use a cooking brush to coat the fish with this mixture, both inside and out. Don’t forget to pay attention to the details, as marinating is the key to tasty fish!

Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables

Wash the tomato and slice it thinly. The green onion should be cut into rings. These will add a note of freshness and texture to your dish.

Step 4: Assembling the Baking Tray

In a baking tray, place a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated sea bream in the tray, leaving space between the fish. Arrange the tomato slices and green onion rings around the fish. Add water to the tray to maintain moisture during baking, which will help keep the fish meat juicy.

Step 5: Baking

Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the fish for 45 minutes. The covering will help cook the fish evenly, keeping it juicy. After 45 minutes, remove the foil, raise the oven temperature to 200 degrees Celsius, and leave the sea bream to bake for another 15 minutes. This step will help achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 6: Serving

Once the fish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a touch of freshness. This fish is best served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Useful Tips

- Choose fresh fish: Buy sea bream from a trusted supplier. The color should be bright, and the smell should be pleasant, like the sea, not fishy.
- Experiment with flavors: You can replace green onion with red onion or add a few lemon slices for a more intense flavor.
- Side dishes: This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or basmati rice, but also with a glass of dry white wine.

Nutritional Benefits

Sea bream is an excellent source of high-quality protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. This simple recipe is not only delicious but also provides important nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, you can replace sea bream with another white fish, such as perch or cod.

2. How long does cooked sea bream last?
Cooked fish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, well covered.

3. Can I grill the sea bream?
Of course! The marinade will help keep the fish juicy on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.

Variations of the Recipe

- Sea Bream with Herbs: Add rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an extra flavor boost.
- Sea Bream with Roasted Vegetables: Include seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for an even richer dish.

Now that you have all the information and necessary steps, all that’s left to do is get cooking! Enjoy your meal!