Sea Bass Baked with Onion and Honey
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Description: This delightful recipe for Sea Bass Baked with Onion and Honey is both simple and indulgent, perfect for a cozy dinner. Ideally, you would serve one fish per person for a satisfying main course, but if you plan to present several side dishes, you could comfortably share one fish between two people, allowing everyone to savor this delicious treat. A favorite pairing for this dish is creamy mashed potatoes, where you can fold in some of the caramelized onions for an extra burst of flavor, along with fresh green peas for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Category: Bass
Keywords: Onions, Vegetable, < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Sea bass, cleaned |
| 1 | Large onion, sliced |
| 2 | Cloves garlic, minced |
| 2 | Tablespoons olive oil |
| 5-6 | Fresh thyme sprigs |
| 2 | Tablespoons honey |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 219.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 3.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 20.5 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
Instructions
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (approximately 400°F). This temperature is ideal for ensuring the fish cooks evenly and allows the honey to caramelize beautifully.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Gently sauté these aromatics until they soften, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from browning too much; you want them to become translucent and tender.
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Prepare the Fish: While the onions are cooking, take a sharp knife and carefully score the outside of the cleaned sea bass. This step is important as it allows the flavors to penetrate the flesh during baking, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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Combine Onions and Thyme: Once the onions are soft and fragrant, remove the pan from heat. Pull the leaves from the thyme sprigs and mix them into the onion-garlic mixture. Season this filling with salt and pepper to taste, allowing it to cool slightly before using it to stuff the fish.
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Stuff the Fish: Take the cooled onion mixture and smear a generous amount of honey inside the cavity of each sea bass. Then, fill the fish with the aromatic onion and thyme mixture. Using kitchen string, tie the fish securely to keep the filling inside during baking, which will also help maintain its shape.
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Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed sea bass in a baking tray, seasoning the outside with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you have any extra onions left, scatter them around the fish in the tray. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fish and the onions to enhance the flavor and promote a lovely golden color while baking.
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Bake the Fish: Transfer the baking tray to the top rack of your preheated oven. Allow the fish to bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish, so keep an eye on it as it approaches the end of the cooking time.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the fish is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate the sea bass alongside the caramelized onions and your choice of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes with the sautéed onions mixed in and fresh green peas. Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet honey, fragrant thyme, and tender fish that this recipe offers.
This Sea Bass Baked with Onion and Honey is sure to impress, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or a delightful weeknight meal. Bon appétit!
