Black Sea Bass on the BBQ

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Have you ever tried grilling Black Sea Bass fish on the BBQ? If not, you’re missing out! When grilled to perfection, this delicate white flesh fish offers an irresistible blend of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. The stuffing, reminiscent of my mother’s traditional recipe, adds a delightful twist to this dish. Read on to discover how to recreate this divine seafood dish at home.

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.

How to Make Black Sea Bass on the BBQ

Preparation

1.
Prepare the Fish: First, thoroughly clean the fish with salt and cold water inside and out. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
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2.
Next, trim off the fins and coat the fish generously with olive oil, ensuring the oil also gets into the cavities. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill. Lastly, stuff them with slices of lemon.
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3.
Cook the Fish: Place the prepared fish on a preheated grill. Avoid flipping them frequently, instead, allow them to cook for about 10 minutes on each side. Once they are done, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving dish.
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4.
Prepare the Sauce: While the fish is grilling, you can start on the sauce. Add some olive oil to a cast iron pan over high heat. Sauté the diced shallots for a couple of minutes, then add the whole cherry tomatoes and a blend of dry spices, including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper, and salt. Allow this mixture to cook for about 7 minutes.
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5.
Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the garlic, ginger, jalapeno, and cilantro. Process them until they form a paste with a semi-fine texture.
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6.
Finish the Sauce: Remove the paste from the food processor and transfer it into a bowl. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, and the zest of four lemons. Next, add this mixture to the pan with the semi-cooked tomatoes. Allow everything to simmer together for about 2 minutes until the sauce starts to bubble.
Serve: Finally,
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7.
Pour the sauce over the grilled fish. Your delicious Black Sea Bass on the BBQ is now ready to enjoy!
Remember to adjust cooking times based on the size of your fish and the temperature of your grill. Enjoy your meal!
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Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
2 whole cleaned and scale black sea snapper
¼ cup olive oil
1 lemon (sliced thin)
For the sauce:
1 lbs cherry tomatoes (whole)
1 head garlic (about 15 cloves of garlic)
2 inches fresh ginger
2 jalapeno (roughly chopped)
2 shallots (diced)
1 bunch cilantro (washed and dry)
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons coriander
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
¾ cup olive oil
¾ cup lemon juice plus zest of 4 lemons

Preparation

1
Prepare the Fish: First, thoroughly clean the fish with salt and cold water inside and out. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
2
Next, trim off the fins and coat the fish generously with olive oil, ensuring the oil also gets into the cavities. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill. Lastly, stuff them with slices of lemon.
3
Cook the Fish: Place the prepared fish on a preheated grill. Avoid flipping them frequently, instead, allow them to cook for about 10 minutes on each side. Once they are done, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving dish.
4
Prepare the Sauce: While the fish is grilling, you can start on the sauce. Add some olive oil to a cast iron pan over high heat. Sauté the diced shallots for a couple of minutes, then add the whole cherry tomatoes and a blend of dry spices, including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper, and salt. Allow this mixture to cook for about 7 minutes.
5
Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the garlic, ginger, jalapeno, and cilantro. Process them until they form a paste with a semi-fine texture.
6
Finish the Sauce: Remove the paste from the food processor and transfer it into a bowl. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, and the zest of four lemons. Next, add this mixture to the pan with the semi-cooked tomatoes. Allow everything to simmer together for about 2 minutes until the sauce starts to bubble. Serve: Finally,
7
Pour the sauce over the grilled fish. Your delicious Black Sea Bass on the BBQ is now ready to enjoy! Remember to adjust cooking times based on the size of your fish and the temperature of your grill. Enjoy your meal!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Preventing Fish from Sticking to the Grill:

1- Clean your grill: Ensure your grill grates are clean before you start. Use a grill brush to clean off any old residue. 2- Oil the fish: Rubbing it with a light oil coating before placing it on the grill can prevent sticking. 3- Preheat the grill: A hot grill is less likely to cause food to stick than a cooler one. 4-Don't flip too soon: Give your fish enough time to cook before you try flipping it. If you attempt to turn the fish too soon, it may stick to the grill. 5- Use a spatula: When it's time to flip, use a thin, flat spatula to separate the fish from the grill gently.

Rana’s Notes!

Substitutions: If you can't find Black Sea Bass, there are several other types of fish you can substitute that will work well with this recipe. These include: Red Snapper: This fish has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that would complement the fresh tomato-herb sauce. Grouper: This is a lean, moist fish with a distinctive yet mild flavor, large flakes, and a firm texture. Halibut: Known for its sweet taste and flaky texture, halibut is another great option. Striped Bass: This fish has a delicate flavor and a large, firm flake. Remember, when substituting, cook times may vary depending on the thickness and texture of the fish.
Stovetop Cooking: If you don't have a grill or prefer to cook indoors, you can also prepare this Black Sea Bass recipe on the stovetop. Here's how: Pan-searing: A heavy-bottomed pan, like a cast-iron skillet, works great for pan-searing fish. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, then add a bit of oil. When the oil is hot, place your fish in the pan. Cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes or until the underside is browned and releases easily from the pan. Then, carefully flip the fish and cook on the other side for another 3-4 minutes or until done. The same temperature rule applies here - aim for an internal temperature of 135°F.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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    If you’ve tried this BBQ Grilled Black Sea Bass Fish recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you enjoy the fresh tomato-herb topping? How did the flavors blend for you? Leave your feedback in the comments below. Your insights not only help us, but they also help other readers looking for delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. We can’t wait to read about your culinary journey with our recipe!

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