Citrus-Scented Baked Sea Bass (Ombrina al Cartoccio al Profumo d’Agrumi)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
This exquisite recipe brings out the delicate flavor of ombrina (sea bass) paired with the bright, refreshing scents of citrus. The fish is baked in a foil parcel, ensuring it stays wonderfully moist and infused with the aromatic essence of orange and lemon. It’s a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a special dinner or any occasion that calls for something a little more refined.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ombrina (Sea Bass) | 1.3 kg |
| Orange zest (preferably organic) | 2 pieces |
| Lemon zest | 2 pieces |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Marjoram (fresh or dried) | to taste |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Garlic clove | 1, halved |
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fish:
Begin by preparing the ombrina (sea bass). Rinse the fish under cold running water, removing any scales using a fish scaler. Next, cut open the belly of the fish and remove the entrails, rinsing the interior thoroughly.Place the fish on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, make a deep incision along the back of the fish, starting from the head and cutting all the way down to the tail. Once you’ve made the incision, carefully remove the first fillet.
With the fish still on the board, tilt your knife at an angle and cut away the head, right behind the gills. Next, remove the central bone (the backbone) by carefully using the knife to detach it, and then, with the help of tweezers, pull out any remaining small bones.
You should now have two beautiful fillets of ombrina. Repeat this process for the second fish and set the fillets aside.
-
Prepare the Citrus Zest:
Take your non-treated orange and, using a paring knife, carefully peel off a strip of zest, making sure the strips are around 2 cm wide. Slice the zest lengthwise in half, following the curvature of the fruit. Repeat this process for the second orange and for the lemons, ensuring that you have enough zest for each fillet. -
Assemble the Fish Parcels:
Now that your fillets and citrus zest are ready, take one ombrina fillet and, starting from the thicker end, wrap a piece of orange zest around the fish, creating a spiral pattern. Next, add a strip of lemon zest and weave it through the orange zest, creating an intricate citrus bouquet around the fillet. Repeat this process for the remaining fillets. -
Season the Fish:
Once all the fillets are beautifully wrapped in citrus zest, season them generously with fine salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to your taste. -
Prepare the Baking Tray:
Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and then place a sheet of parchment paper on top. This will help ensure the fish doesn’t stick and retains its moisture during baking. -
Prepare the Fish Parcels:
Lay one of the prepared fillets on the parchment paper. Slice the garlic clove in half and place one half of the garlic directly onto the fish fillet. Drizzle the fillet with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring it is well coated.Now, fold the parchment paper over the fillet and then fold the edges of the aluminum foil over it, sealing it tightly as if you were wrapping a sweet in paper, making sure there are no gaps where the steam could escape.
Repeat this for all the remaining fillets, placing them neatly on the baking tray.
-
Bake the Fish:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) with static heat. If you’re using a fan-assisted oven, set it to 180°C (350°F). Place the fish parcels in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. If you’re using a fan oven, reduce the baking time to 12 minutes. -
Serving:
After the baking time has passed, remove the parcels from the oven. Carefully open the foil (watch out for the hot steam) and serve each fillet still wrapped in its parchment paper. The ombrina will have absorbed the beautiful citrus aromas, making it a fragrant and mouthwatering dish.
Serve this dish with a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp green salad for a light and satisfying meal. The delicate flavors of the sea bass combined with the zesty citrus will transport your taste buds to a sunny Mediterranean shore with every bite. Enjoy your citrus-scented ombrina, a feast for the senses!
This delightful recipe is perfect for any seafood lover, showcasing the natural flavor of the ombrina, while the citrus elements bring a refreshing twist. A perfect meal for a family gathering or a dinner party, this dish guarantees a great impression with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal while this elegant fish bakes away in the oven.
