A light, tasty, and incredibly easy-to-make second course, perfect for the whole family! Baked breaded sea bream fillets are a healthy and flavorful alternative that wins over both adults and children with their delicate taste and crunchy coating. In this recipe, we use frozen fillets, practical and always available, to show you how to cook them best with just a few ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
- 8 sea bream fillets (frozen)
- to taste Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
- to taste breadcrumbs
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste lemon zest
- to taste parsley
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
Tools
- 1 Plate
- 2 Paper Towel
- 1 Baking Tray
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Fork
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Spoon
Procedure
If you’re using frozen fillets, defrost them in the microwave using the defrost option for a few seconds. Be careful not to overdo the time; otherwise, they will start to cook. Alternatively, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours, covered with plastic wrap.
Once thawed, pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess water and ensure they are well dried.
In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a grating of Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and pepper. If you like, add some fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Arrange the breaded fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Lightly massage the fillets with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Then, with a spoon, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the surface of each fillet.
Gently press with your hands to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the fillets.
Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is white, flakes easily, and the surface is golden.
Baked breaded sea bream fillets are a versatile and quick dish, ideal for a light lunch or dinner with rich flavor.
Try the recipe and let me know in the comments if you’ve customized the breadcrumbs! Did you like the oven version or do you prefer the air fryer?
Tips:
For an even crunchier breadcrumb, you can add a drizzle of oil over the fillets before baking them.
This recipe is also great for those looking for a healthy and tasty dish for children.
Variations
1. Corn Bread Crumbs for Extra Crunch
Replace half of the breadcrumbs with fine cornmeal (like cornstarch).
Result: a golden, super crunchy crust, perfect even for children!
2. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or blend some corn rice cakes or corn flakes.
Result: a tasty coating suitable for those with intolerances.
3. With Herbal Aromatic Coating
Add to the breadcrumbs thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic powder.
Result: a more pronounced and fragrant flavor, ideal for those who love intense tastes.
FAQ – Baked Breaded Sea Bream Fillets
Can I use fresh sea bream fillets instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh fillets. In this case, you can skip the defrosting step and proceed directly with the preparation.
How long does it take to defrost the fillets in the fridge?
To defrost the fillets in the fridge, I recommend leaving them for about 6-8 hours. You can do this the night before to have them ready in the morning.
Can I add other ingredients to the breadcrumbs?
Sure! You can customize the breadcrumbs by adding spices like paprika, garlic powder, or aromatic herbs like thyme or oregano.
How can I store leftovers?
If you have leftover cooked fillets, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to keep them crunchy.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the fillets in an air fryer. Cook them at 356°F (180°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.

