Sea Bass Ceviche
- Average
- 30 min
Freshly cooked branzino brings a beautiful, gentle flavor—just mild enough that pretty much anyone at the table can enjoy it. The white, flaky fish is usually moist, almost melting with every bite. Simple accents like onions, bacon, and juicy oranges make this Mediterranean seafood dinner not only main-course worthy but also a little bit special for families who want something different that still feels familiar. When that hint of sweet and sour from the orange hits against the smoky notes of bacon, you get this super comforting mix that has a satisfying savory edge. Kids tend to like it because there’s no fishy taste at all, while adults appreciate the balance—the rosemary or thyme topping often adds a gentle herby aroma that really wakes up the table. Looks keep things easy, too…the pale fillets dotted with golden bacon and glossy onion slices, sprinkled with orange pieces, make for a pretty plate that looks restaurant-nice with nearly zero fuss. Works awesome for normal weeknight meals as much as bigger family occasions, since that classic Mediterranean bass stands out but still fits in almost anywhere.
Busy families find this seafood recipe friendly because it really matches a lot of meal plans—always a hit when you want something quick and rich in flavor. If you’re ever switching things up, grilled branzino offers a breezy, summer spin to the usual routine, and roasted branzino feels just right once it starts getting chilly out. Natural juices from the fish soak through everything, blending the citrus marinade and herby goodness right into each mouthful—a little bit fresh, but always super tender. Fun part is, you can pair this with rice, fancy salads, or roasted veggies (fresh bread works, too—so good for mopping up!) and it still holds up as a main dish that feels like a win. No wonder it’s on repeat for folks who love easy fish dishes—plenty of flavor, always pretty, just the right amount of special for regular family dinners or a friends-over night. The tender, light fish topped with crisp bacon and sweet citrus always delivers that classic seafood comfort everyone’s after, especially when you just want a no-fuss meal with lots of home-cooked appeal.
To prepare the sea bass with bacon, onions, and sweet and sour oranges, start by cutting the onions into slices that are not too thin 1 and let them soften with the 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the three teaspoons of sugar 2 and as soon as it starts to caramelize, add the vinegar 3, salt, and pepper.
Meanwhile, cut the zest of an orange into strips 4, trying to avoid removing the white part as much as possible; blanch them for a few minutes in a small pot with a little water 5, remove them from the water, and add them to the onion mixture 6, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes.
Clean the sea bass and fillet it into two fillets How to clean the sea bream, or for convenience have your fishmonger fillet it for you. Quickly sauté it with two tablespoons of oil and a sprig of rosemary, turning the sea bass carefully to avoid breaking it. In a separate pan, brown the bacon cubes, which should become crispy, then add pepper and combine it with the sea bass.
Once cooked, place the hot sea bass fillet on a serving plate, accompanied by the sweet and sour onion and orange side dish.