Bulgur Pilaf with Roasted Sea Bass

5 from 1 vote
Elegant, simple, and healthy are the words that come to mind when I think of this wonderful recipe, perfect for a dinenr party or an weeknight feast. To find some of the artisinal Greek products you'll need to make this, visit my online shop here, where you'll discover a host of lovingly curated Greek ingredients.
5 from 1 vote

Bulgur Pilaf with Roasted Sea Bass

Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups bulgur wheat
  • cup extra virgin Greek olive oil
  • 1 large fennel bulb trimmed and chopped
  • 1 leek trimmed and chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1 cup cherry or teardrop tomatoes halved
  • 4 tablespoons ouzo or dry white wine
  • 6 pitted green olives chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup chopped fresh dill
  • Salt pepper to taste
  • 4 sea bass or gilthead bream fillets skin on

Instructions

  • Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cover and let stand for 2 hours, until the bulgur absorbs most of the water and is tender. Drain off any remaining water in a colander and set the bulgur aside.
  • Place the fish on a platter or pan and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or wide pot over medium heat and cook the leek and fennel until softened but still al dente, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic. Raise the heat a bit and add the tomatoes. Cook over high heat until they start to crinkle. Stir in the olives. Carefully pour in 2 tablespoons of the ouzo. When the alcohol steams off, turn off heat, add the walnuts, and drained bulgur and toss to combine. Stir in the lemon zest and herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • In a separate large frying pan, heat two more tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Place the fish fillets skin side up and sauté for 3 minutes. Turn carefully with a spatula and cook on the other side. Turn up heat, pour in the remaining ouzo, and cook for another minute or two until the alcohol evaporates but there is still liquid left in the pan.
  • Remove the fillets. Toss the pan juices into the bulgur mixture and serve the bulgur in four equal portions on four dinner plates. Place a fillet over the bulgur mound. Drizzle remaining olive oil over each dish. Garnish with chopped dill and a lemon slice and serve.

❤️ Enjoyed this Recipe?

Share this recipe on Facebook or Instagram!

Mention @dianekohcilas & tag #dianekochilas!

Diane’s Greek Single-origin Artisanal Foods

Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.

Get Diane’s Latest Recipes and Longevity Secrets Delivered To Your Inbox.

Travel Cook Eat & Live with Diane

Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

Latest Recipes

More

Lemon Potato Smashers

Lemon Potato Smashers

Seafood Stew

Seafood Stew

Lentil Sweet Potato Soup

Lentil–Sweet Potato Soup with Spinach and Sage

Broccoli cauliflower salad

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Feta and Lemon-Dill Dressing

Get Diane’s Latest Recipes and Longevity Secrets Delivered To Your Inbox.

Longevity Recipes

More

Featured In

My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo
My Greek Table Logo

D|K