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Baked Sea Bass with Sweet Potato Rounds


  • Author: Jessica

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Sea Bass Fillets (6-8 ounces each): Choose skin-on or skin-off fillets based on your preference. Skin-on will result in crispier skin, while skin-off is easier to eat for some. Ensure they are fresh and firm to the touch, with a mild, ocean-like smell, not overly fishy.
  • 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes (about 1 pound total): Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. The vibrant orange flesh provides a beautiful color and sweet flavor that complements the sea bass perfectly.
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and health benefits. It helps to roast the sweet potatoes and sea bass to golden perfection and adds moisture.
  • 1 Lemon: You’ll need both the zest and juice of one lemon. Lemon brightens the flavors of the fish and sweet potatoes, adding a zesty and refreshing element. Choose a lemon that is heavy for its size, indicating it’s juicy.
  • 2 Cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped, infuse the dish with a pungent and aromatic flavor. Garlic enhances both the sea bass and sweet potatoes.
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs offer a piney, fragrant aroma that elevates the dish. If using dried rosemary, use 1 teaspoon and ensure it’s still fragrant.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor that complements the rosemary and lemon. You can also use fresh thyme, using about 1 tablespoon.
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and richness of the sea bass. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of all the ingredients. Use to taste, but start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is ideal for roasting the sweet potatoes and baking the sea bass to perfection. While the oven is preheating, wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them as the skin becomes wonderfully tender and nutritious when roasted. Slice the sweet potatoes into rounds, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Aim for even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
  2. Season and Roast the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. Spread the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Roasting them first gives them a head start as they take longer to cook than the sea bass.
  3. Prepare the Sea Bass and Flavor Infusion: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the sea bass fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh rosemary, and dried thyme. This aromatic mixture will infuse the sea bass with incredible flavor and moisture.
  4. Add the Sea Bass to the Baking Sheet: After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully arrange the sea bass fillets on top of the sweet potato rounds on the baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced out and not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Spoon the prepared herb and lemon mixture evenly over the sea bass fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
  5. Bake to Flaky Perfection: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the sea bass is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your sea bass fillets. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh is opaque and no longer translucent. The sweet potatoes should also be tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sea bass and sweet potatoes rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish. Garnish with extra fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately and e

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 50 grams