Sea bream with green salad

Baked Sea Bream with Green Salad – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

If you are looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, baked sea bream with green salad is the perfect choice. This dish not only offers an exceptional taste but also an elegant presentation, making it ideal for family dinners as well as special occasions. Moreover, sea bream is a white fish with tender flesh that cooks quickly and is packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 fresh sea bream (approximately 600-800 g)
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 clove of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 green salad (can be romaine or iceberg, depending on preference)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices for serving

Preparing the sea bream:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even cooking of the fish.

2. Cleaning the sea bream: Rinse the sea bream well under cold running water, making sure to remove all impurities. If you didn't buy it cleaned, remove the scales and internal organs. This will contribute to a cleaner and fresher taste.

3. Preparing the baking tray: Take an aluminum tray and grease it with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking and will help achieve a delicious crust.

4. Seasoning the fish: Place the sea bream in the tray. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the fish and fill the inside with a few mint leaves and sprigs of rosemary. Add a clove of garlic, whole or halved, for an extra flavor boost. These herbs will add a fresh and fragrant note during baking.

5. Baking: Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Allow the sea bream to bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and let the fish brown for an additional 10 minutes. This will help form a slightly crispy crust.

Preparing the green salad:

1. Washing and cutting the salad: In the meantime, wash the green salad well under cold water, then let it drain. Cut it into smaller pieces, depending on preference. A well-cut salad will be easier to serve and eat.

2. Seasoning: In a bowl, add the cut salad, salt, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, and the juice of one lemon. Mix well so that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. The tangy lemon flavor will perfectly complement the fish's aroma.

Serving:

1. Plating: On a flat plate, add a bed of green salad. Carefully place the baked sea bream on top.

2. Finishing: Garnish the plate with lemon slices for an attractive look and a touch of freshness.

Suggestions and variations:

- You can add other herbs like basil or dill, depending on your preferences. Each variation will provide a different and interesting flavor.
- If you like a more intense flavor, you can add a few slices of chili pepper inside the fish.
- For a heartier salad, you can add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers.

Nutritional benefits:

Sea bream is an excellent source of protein, omega-3, and vitamins, contributing to heart and brain health. Additionally, green salad is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with a low-calorie content, making it perfect for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted using other types of white fish, such as perch or trout.

2. How can I tell if the fish is cooked?
The fish is cooked when the flesh becomes opaque and easily flakes off the bone. Use a fork to check the texture.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent accompaniments for baked sea bream.

I hope this sea bream recipe with green salad brings you joy and flavor in the kitchen! It is an easy dish to make but has a profound impact on your taste and health. Enjoy your meal!