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Fire-Baked Sea Bass in Foil — recipe

Recipes

Fish & Seafood

BBQ

Everyday BBQ

Fire-Baked Sea Bass in Foil

Whole sea bass, seasoned simply with lemon and herbs, baked in a foil parcel directly on the embers of a fire for a moist and flavourful result.

Prep: 10 minCook: 15 min4 servingsMedium

Serves:

4

Ingredients

about 400g each

sliced

to taste

to taste

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smokeandsoil.com/recipes/fire-baked-sea-bass-in-foil

Fire-Baked Sea Bass in Foil

by L Field

Prep

10 min

Cook

15 min

Total

25 min

Serves

4

Level

Medium

Method

BBQ

Ingredients

Ingredients

2Sea Bassabout 400g each

1Lemonsliced

1 small bunchDill

2 tbspOlive Oil

sea saltto taste

Black Pepperto taste

Health Notes

Sea bass is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Notes

Using heavy-duty foil is important to prevent it from tearing on the embers.
Be careful when opening the foil parcels as hot steam will escape.

Seasonal Variations

You could use sea bream or trout instead of sea bass.
Try adding other herbs like parsley or thyme.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)

350

kcal

35g

protein

5g

carbs

20g

fat

Values are estimates and vary with portion size and preparation.

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Date cooked

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Quick Reference

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Method: BBQ

Tags

BBQ friendlyWeeknightSummerClean Eating

Equipment

accessory

Heavy-Duty Foil

Heavy-duty foil is one of the unsung heroes in the BBQ toolkit. It is not just about wrapping food but about controlling the cooking environment and protecting your precious ingredients from the unpredictable nature of fire and heat. At Smoke & Soil, we believe in cooking with integrity and respect for the ingredients. Heavy-duty foil fits perfectly into this ethos by offering a reliable way to shield hot spots on your grill or smoker, ensuring even cooking without compromising the natural flavours and textures of your food. Unlike standard foil, which tears easily and causes frustration, heavy-duty foil stands up to the rigours of BBQ handling, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about fire cooking. Using heavy-duty foil correctly requires a bit of know-how. It is excellent for lining trays to catch drips and make clean-up easier, but it is equally valuable for wrapping meats during resting or cooking phases. However, it is crucial not to overuse it. Wrapping everything in foil can trap steam and soften the bark on smoked meats, which is a cardinal sin in BBQ circles. Instead, use butcher paper for wrapping brisket and reserve foil for jobs where a tight seal is necessary. When wrapping, always crimp the edges tightly, folding twice to prevent leaks. This keeps juices locked in, allowing you to pour them back over the meat for an intensified flavour experience. Heavy-duty foil is a practical tool that aligns with the Smoke & Soil focus on clean, whole-food cooking. It supports the process without adding unnecessary complexity or chemicals. This foil helps you manage heat and moisture with precision, enabling you to deliver everyday BBQ that honours homegrown, seasonal ingredients. It is about working smarter, not harder, and respecting the fire’s role in the cooking process. When used thoughtfully, heavy-duty foil elevates your BBQ game, making it easier to achieve consistent, mouth-watering results.

grill

Firepit

A firepit is the most elemental and authentic way to cook outdoors, connecting you directly with the primal art of fire and ember cooking. It embodies the Smoke & Soil ethos by encouraging patience, respect for seasonal and homegrown ingredients, and a clean, whole-food approach to cooking over natural heat. Unlike conventional grills, a firepit demands an understanding of fire management, from building a steady ember bed to creating distinct heat zones for versatile cooking. This process rewards you with unmatched flavour complexity and an atmosphere that no other cooking method can replicate. Using a firepit properly means resisting the urge to cook over roaring flames. Instead, wait for the flames to die down and the wood to become glowing embers. This ensures even heat and prevents food from charring or tasting bitter. Choosing the right wood is crucial: seasoned hardwoods produce clean smoke that enhances flavour, while damp or unseasoned wood creates acrid, dirty smoke that can ruin your food. Managing the fire to establish zones of varying heat allows you to cook different cuts and ingredients simultaneously, from searing over high heat to slow cooking over gentle embers. Beyond cooking, the firepit is a social focal point, perfect for gathering friends and family around the fire. It encourages a relaxed, no-rush approach to BBQ, where the process is as important as the result. Mastering the firepit takes practice and patience, but it is a deeply rewarding skill that elevates everyday BBQ to an art form. It aligns perfectly with Smoke & Soil’s commitment to grounded, no-nonsense cooking that celebrates natural flavours and the joy of fire-cooked food.

tool

Long Tongs

Long tongs are an essential tool for anyone serious about fire cooking and BBQ. They provide the reach and control necessary to handle food and coals safely over open flames or hot grills. At Smoke & Soil, we believe in equipment that lasts and performs without fuss. Investing in a quality pair of long tongs means you avoid the frustration and hazards of using inadequate tools. They allow you to turn meat gently, move embers with precision, and handle vegetables without bruising or damage. This fits perfectly with our ethos of clean, whole-food cooking where the integrity of ingredients is respected. Using long tongs correctly is about finesse as much as function. Avoid the common mistake of gripping too tightly and crushing your meat, which squeezes out precious juices and ruins texture. Instead, think of the tongs as an extension of your hand, applying just enough pressure to hold and turn food confidently. Their length keeps your hands safe from heat and flare-ups, which is vital for a calm, controlled cooking process. The ability to move coals or embers also means you can manage your fire with ease, maintaining the right temperature zones for indirect or direct cooking. Practicality is key. Look for stainless steel models with a good locking mechanism for storage. This prevents the spring from bending or loosening over time. A well-made pair will be dishwasher-safe, but regular checks on the hinge tension ensure they stay responsive and reliable. Long tongs are not just a tool, they are a partner in your BBQ journey, helping you cook with confidence and respect for your ingredients and fire.

Fuel

lumpwood

Lumpwood Charcoal

Techniques

Cooking in Embers

Written by

L Field

RecipesSauces & Rubs

Dill and Lemon Creme Fraiche

A fresh, creamy sauce combining dill and lemon with creme fraiche, perfect for fish and light dishes.

4 servingsEasy

prep

Method

1
Prepare the Fish
Lay out two large sheets of heavy-duty foil. Pat the sea bass dry inside and out. Season the cavity of each fish generously with salt and pepper, then stuff with lemon slices and a few sprigs of fresh dill.
5 min
2
Create the Foil Parcels
Place each fish onto a sheet of foil. Drizzle with olive oil and top with the remaining lemon and dill. Fold the foil over to create a sealed parcel, leaving a little space for air to circulate.
5 min
3
Cook on the Embers
Carefully place the foil parcels directly onto the hot embers. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through. The fish is cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
15 min
4
Rest and Serve
Remove the parcels from the fire and let them rest for 5 minutes before carefully opening. Serve the fish immediately, perhaps with a side of quick-pickled cucumber and a dollop of dill and lemon creme fraiche.
5 min

Notes

Using heavy-duty foil is important to prevent it from tearing on the embers.
Be careful when opening the foil parcels as hot steam will escape.

Health Notes

Sea bass is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Seasonal Variations

You could use sea bream or trout instead of sea bass.
Try adding other herbs like parsley or thyme.

Nutrition

Per serving (estimate)

350

kcal

35g

protein

5g

carbs

20g

fat

Grounded fire cooking for everyday life. Grow it. Cook it. Eat well. Do it properly.

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