Skip to main content

Sea Bass with Marinated Vegetables

This elegant sea bass with marinated vegetables is a sophisticated choice for those seeking a light yet flavourful meal. By marinating a medley of Mediterranean vegetables including fennel, courgettes and peppers in high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and saffron, you create a rich, aromatic topping that perfectly complements the delicate flakes of the roasted fish. It is a vibrant dish that brings the sunny flavours of the coast to your dining table.

As a heart-healthy recipe, this dish is rich in beneficial fats and essential nutrients. Preparing the vegetable marinade 24 hours in advance allows the herbs and citrus to infuse deeply, making the final assembly quick and effortless. Serve this alongside some steamed new potatoes or a crisp green salad for a balanced, nutritious dinner that feel truly indulgent.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Sea Bass with Marinated Vegetables

  • 1 ripe medium tomato

  • 1 garlic clove, smashed

  • 4 basil leaves

  • 1 fresh thyme sprig

  • 6 green olives, such as picholine, pitted and chopped

  • 12 Niçoise olives, pitted and chopped

  • 1 tablespoon drained capers

  • 1 celery rib, peeled and diced

  • 1/2 small fennel bulb, stalks discarded and bulb diced

  • 1 small courgette, diced

  • 1 red pepper, diced

  • 1 green pepper, diced

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • About 475ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 pinch saffron, crumbled

  • 1 lemon, peel and pith cut off and lemon quartered and diced

  • 6 (170g) pieces sea bass or striped bass fillet with skin, small bones removed

  • 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt

  • Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives

  • Coarse sea salt to taste

How to make Sea Bass with Marinated Vegetables

Core tomato and cut a shallow X in bottom, then blanch in boiling water 10 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking. Keep water at a boil.

Lift out tomato (reserve ice bath), then peel, seed, and dice. Put in a bowl with garlic, basil, thyme, olives, and capers.

Blanch celery, fennel, and courgette in boiling water 30 seconds, then drain and transfer to ice bath. When vegetables are chilled, drain and stir into tomato mixture.

Cook peppers and onion in 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then stir into vegetables along with saffron and enough remaining oil to cover (about 475ml ). Marinate, covered and chilled, 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 232°C with rack in middle.

Put fish, skin side up, in a shallow baking pan and pat dry. Sprinkle with sea salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper, then drizzle with a little oil. Roast fish until just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, gently warm half of vegetable mixture and stir in lemon. Serve fish topped with vegetables and sprinkled with chives and coarse sea salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.