Sea bass is a wonderfully fragrant, flavoursome fish that tastes fantastic when roasted. Guaranteed to impress
Ingredients
- 1 x 1kg (2lb 3oz) whole sea bass, fresh or defrosted, scaled, cleaned and head removed
- 15ml (1tbsp) sea salt
- 2 lemons, 1 sliced and 1 juiced
- 2 bunches of rosemary
- 60ml (4tbsp) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly sliced
Method
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F, gas mark 7).
Salt the inside and outside of the fish, then set aside for 20 mins. Rinse and pat dry.
Slash the skin of the bass in about three places on each side and insert the lemon slices. Place the herbs inside the fish, then transfer to a greased baking tray.
Heat the oil in a small pan and very gently cook the garlic for 1-2 mins, but do not allow to brown. Pour the oil and garlic on top of the fish.
Bake in the hot oven for 20 mins. Baste frequently with the oil and cook until the fish flakes easily and the skin is slightly crisp.
Pour the lemon juice over the bass, garnish with lemon slices and serve with a selection of vegetables.
Top tip for making Whole roast sea bass
When buying fresh sea bass, make sure it smells fresh and not overly fishy. Flesh should give slightly when you press it with a finger - then spring back into shape.
