Baked Sea Bream with Tomatoes and Olives

Whole sea bream suits simple Mediterranean roasting: its delicate white flesh stays moist while taking on the savoury juices around it. Here, cherry tomatoes soften and burst with Kalamata olives, red onion, garlic, lemon and oregano, creating a warm, tangy pan sauce as the fish cooks. The dish is light but full-flavoured, with briny olives, citrus and sweet tomato juices doing most of the work. Serve the fish with the roasted vegetables spooned over the top, alongside potatoes, rice or good bread for catching the sauce.
Cuisine style Greek-style seafood
Cooking style Minimal cleanup • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • One-dish roasting: The fish and vegetables cook together in the same baking dish, so the tomatoes, onion, olives and lemon form the sauce as the sea bream roasts.
  • Bright, savoury balance: Lemon juice and zest cut through the olive oil, while Kalamata olives add briny depth to the sweet roasted tomatoes.
  • Clear doneness cues: Whole sea bream is ready when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily, making it straightforward to judge without complicated technique.

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Timing notes

  • Serve soon after roasting: The fish is at its best shortly after resting, while the flesh is moist and the tomato-olive juices are still warm.
  • Let the juices settle: A short rest after roasting helps the fish finish gently and makes it easier to lift portions away from the bone.

Texture tips

  • Keep the fish flaky, not dry: Check the thickest part towards the end of roasting; it should be just opaque and separate easily with a fork.
  • Use the pan juices: Spoon the tomato, olive oil and lemon juices over the fish before serving to keep each portion moist and well seasoned.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose ripe tomatoes: Ripe cherry tomatoes burst readily in the oven and give the sauce its natural sweetness and body.
  • Use good olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is part of the sauce here, so a fresh, fruity oil will make the finished dish taste brighter.
  • Olive swaps change the flavour: Green olives work well, but they give a milder, less fruity result than Kalamata olives.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with something to catch the juices: Crusty bread, boiled potatoes, rice or a simple green salad all work well with the warm tomato and olive pan sauce.
  • Wine pairing: A crisp dry white wine suits the lemony, herb-led flavours without overpowering the fish.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Put the tomatoes and olives in a baking dish, then thinly slice the onion and add it to the dish.
  2. Thinly slice the garlic and add it to the dish. Zest the lemon into the dish, then cut the lemon in half and squeeze in the juice.
  3. Drizzle over the olive oil, then sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well and spread into an even layer.
  4. Nestle the sea bream into the tomato mixture. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily and the tomatoes have burst and released their juices.
  5. Rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the juices settle. Spoon the warm tomato and olive juices over the fish to serve.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the juiciest result, avoid overcooking: the fish is ready when the flesh flakes easily and the thickest part is just opaque.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the fish is cooked until piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace dried oregano with fresh oregano for a brighter herbal note.
  • Replace black Kalamata pitted olives with green pitted olives for a milder, less fruity flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, or flake the fish cold into salads and spoon over the tomato and olive juices.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 45min (15min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Allergens:
    Fish
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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