Black Sea Bass on the BBQ

As I think back to my mom’s kitchen, the memory of her cooking fish floods in. She would spend hours preparing the fish and the various side dishes accompanying it. Small fish would be fried and stuffed with a tantalizing mix of chopped tomatoes, parsley, cilantro, garlic, and jalapenos.

Alongside, we would enjoy fried potatoes, cauliflower, and eggplant. These were the quintessential dishes that accompanied our meals. Although there are times when I find myself craving fried foods, I often opt to roast the vegetables in the oven, making them healthier and less oily. Regarding salads, my mom excelled at parsley with tahini sauce, Bagdonas bi al tahini, and Salata Arabia.

Inspired by my mom’s cooking, I decided to whip up a couple of freshly cleaned Black Sea bass fish from the local market for this recipe. Instead of stuffing them as my mom did, I grilled them on the bbq, prepared the stuffing separately, and served it on top of the perfectly cooked fish. The final result? Divine.

As a side, I grilled some eggplant, served it over yogurt, and topped it with a tangy, garlicky lemon sauce. This recipe’s beauty is that we enjoy a delectable meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Putting this entire meal together took just 30 minutes!

What is Black Sea Bass?

Black Sea bass fish is one of the market’s most sought-after types of fish. Black sea bass is a white flesh fish that is relatively lean, firm, and meaty. The white flesh is delicate and mild in flavor. Black sea bass can be cooked in several ways, including pan frying, steaming, grilling, or baking. Since black sea bass is not a fatty fish, you must be sure you don’t overcook it. If you can’t find black sea bass, people substitute it with red snapper or grouper. 

Preparing the Sea Bass Fish:

Before you begin grilling, preparing the Sea bass fish properly is crucial. Start by rinse the fish under cold water, using some salt. This helps in cleaning the fish thoroughly. After rinsing, cut off the fins and generously rub olive oil all over the fish. The olive oil is vital, as it prevents the fish from sticking to the grill. Stuff them with fresh lemon slices once your sea bass fish is nicely oiled.

Ideal Cooking Temperature for Sea Bass Fish

To achieve the perfect doneness, the Sea bass fish should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees. Once the fish hits this temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and rest for a few minutes. During this rest period, the fish will continue to cook slightly as the internal temperature rises a few more degrees.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

I am particularly fond of grilling this Sea Bass Fish recipe, as it’s straightforward and involves minimal cleanup. Prepping the grill is a breeze, requiring a quick scrub with a grill brush. However, if firing up the BBQ isn’t for you, don’t worry. This versatile Sea Bass Fish recipe can also be prepared in an oven or stove using a large, flat cast iron pan.