Name: Mediterranean Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Bell Pepper Medley Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 sea bass fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless, 1 1/2 inches thick); Salt, to taste; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons for vegetables; 1 green bell pepper, cored and chopped; 1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped; 3 shallots, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or chopped; 1/2 lemon, juice only; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a touch of elegance, this Mediterranean Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Bell Pepper Medley Recipe is exactly what you need. The delicate sea bass fillets, perfectly seared to a golden crust, paired with a fragrant, savory medley of garlic, red and green bell peppers, and Kalamata olives, create an irresistible harmony of tastes and textures that transport your palate straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron pan holds five pieces of browned fish fillets, each topped with a mix of small red, green, and light yellow chopped vegetables, giving a colorful and fresh look. The fish has a crispy, dark golden-brown crust. A half lemon with a pale yellow interior sits in the pan near the fillets. The pan rests on a wooden table, which is partly covered by a gray and white striped cloth with two silver forks on it. Next to the cloth, there is a small bunch of bright green basil leaves. In the top part of the image, there is a white bowl containing red and light brown powdered spices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Mediterranean Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Bell Pepper Medley Recipe is refreshingly simple with ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fresh sea bass providing flaky richness, to the bell peppers adding sweetness and crunch, to the spices that bring everything together with a warm, earthy punch—every item is essential for that perfect balance.

4 sea bass fillets: Choose thick, skinless fillets around 6 ounces each for even cooking and delicate texture.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and vegetables.
Extra virgin olive oil: For a lush, fruity base that helps everything cook beautifully.
1 green bell pepper, cored and chopped: Adds fresh, vegetal sweetness and vibrant green color.
1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped: Offers a pop of red and a slightly sweeter flavor than the green.
3 shallots, chopped: Impart a mild oniony aroma without overpowering the dish.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings that unmistakable fragrant warmth essential for the medley.
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or chopped: Adds a briny, tangy note that perfectly complements the fish.
1/2 lemon, juice only: A splash of bright acidity to finish and lift the flavors.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander: Provides a subtle citrusy undertone.
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the seasoning blend.
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper: Offers gentle heat and slight fruitiness without overpowering heat.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth to the spice mix.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Rounded pepper spice that balances and accents the seasonings.

How to Make Mediterranean Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Bell Pepper Medley Recipe

Step 1: Salt and Prepare the Sea Bass

About 20 minutes before you start cooking, take your sea bass out of the fridge to let it come to room temperature. Pat each fillet dry with paper towels—this helps get a nice sear later—and generously sprinkle salt on both sides. Setting the fish aside at room temp allows the seasoning to penetrate and prevents the fillets from steaming when they hit the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the ground coriander, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, ground cumin, and black pepper. This vibrant mix brings aromatic layers that sing in harmony with the sea bass and the garlic bell pepper medley. Keep this blend nearby for seasoning the veggies and fish.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Bell Pepper Medley

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. When the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped green and red bell peppers, shallots, and minced garlic. Season the veggies with salt and about one teaspoon of your spice mixture. Stir frequently as the peppers soften and mingle with the shallots and garlic; this usually takes around 5 minutes. Once the peppers have softened perfectly, reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped Kalamata olives. Let this medley stay warm on low heat while you cook the fish—this step infuses the olives’ briny essence into the mixture for that signature Mediterranean flavor.

Step 4: Season the Sea Bass

Sprinkle the remaining spice blend on both sides of your sea bass fillets. This step layers the flavors so every bite of fish is bursting with those warm spices intertwined beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sea bass.

Step 5: Pan-Sear the Sea Bass to Perfection

In a clean, large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Once it starts to shimmer, carefully place the fillets skinless side down. Immediately reduce heat to medium and gently press down the thickest part of each fillet with a spatula for about 30 seconds to ensure nice contact with the pan and even browning. Let the fish cook undisturbed for 4 to 6 minutes until the edges are beautifully golden and slightly crisp. When you flip the fish gently—watch it closely, and if it sticks, wait a little longer until it releases on its own—it will cook 3 to 4 more minutes on the other side, creating a delicious crust without overcooking the tender flesh.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Serve

Once the sea bass is perfectly seared, remove the fillets from heat and immediately drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top. This acid brightens the dish, balancing the rich flavors with fresh zestiness. Spoon the warm garlic bell pepper medley over each piece of fish, and prepare yourself for a stunning plate packed full of Mediterranean sunshine!

How to Serve Mediterranean Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Bell Pepper Medley Recipe

A black pan holds four pieces of cooked white fish with dark, crispy grill marks on top. Each piece is topped with a colorful mix of small chopped vegetables including green, red, and orange pieces, arranged evenly over the fish. A half lemon with a pale yellow inside is placed on the side of the pan. The pan rests on a dark wooden surface with a white bowl of red seasoning nearby and a few fresh green leaves at the bottom right. The scene shows a close, bright view, highlighting the textures and colors clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or mint over the top. A few lemon wedges on the side also invite a burst of extra citrus for those who love to customize each bite. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add a lovely crunch, bringing texture contrast that’s just divine.

Side Dishes

This Mediterranean Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Bell Pepper Medley Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fluffy sides like pearl couscous, herbed rice, or quinoa to soak up every flavorful bite. Roasted baby potatoes or a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also complement the dish perfectly for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve each fillet atop a wide pool of the garlic bell pepper medley on a sleek white plate. Add a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a few Kalamata olives artistically arranged for that elegant Mediterranean vibe. Want to get playful? Try laying the fish over toasted slices of crusty sourdough or polenta rounds for a hearty yet sophisticated presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, transfer the sea bass and bell pepper medley into an airtight container and refrigerate. The fish stays good for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to appreciate that perfect sear and flaky texture.

Freezing

Freezing cooked sea bass is generally not recommended because it can alter the delicate texture, and the garlic bell pepper medley may lose some freshness as well. If you must freeze, store portions separately in well-sealed containers or freezer bags and consume within one month for the best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the fish and vegetable medley in a low oven or on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid microwaving, which can make the fish tough or rubbery. A gentle warming helps retain the flavors without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sea bass offers a delightful texture and flavor, you can substitute with other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.

Is the spice blend very spicy?

Not at all. The Aleppo pepper provides a gentle warmth with fruity undertones rather than intense heat, making this recipe suitable even for those sensitive to spice.

Can I prepare the garlic bell pepper medley in advance?

Yes, you can cook the medley a few hours ahead and keep it warm on low heat or reheat gently before serving. This saves time on the day of cooking without sacrificing flavor.

What can I serve this recipe with for a gluten-free meal?

This dish is naturally gluten-free, and it pairs wonderfully with sides like quinoa, rice, or gluten-free couscous alternatives to keep the meal safe and satisfying.

How do I know when the sea bass is cooked perfectly?

The fish should have a golden crust on both sides and feel firm but still slightly springy to the touch. When you flake it gently with a fork, the layers should separate easily without drying out.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend this Mediterranean Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Garlic Bell Pepper Medley Recipe enough—it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication that comes together quickly yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. So next time you want to impress yourself or your guests with a fresh, flavorful dish that’s full of heart and sunshine, dive into this recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!