A fragrant, slow-cooked sea bass dish infused with saffron, paprika, orange juice, and fresh herbs—this Moroccan-inspired recipe brings the bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Perfectly tender, effortlessly delicious, and served best with couscous or a fresh salad!
One of our Mediterranean Cooking Class Favorite
I have always loved Moroccan cuisine—it’s vibrant, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. This Moroccan-style sea bass was a dish we frequently made in my Mediterranean cooking classes, always using the freshest seasonal ingredients. We would begin the day at Marché Forville, selecting the finest fresh sea bass, before heading back to the kitchen to cook together.
Each class had a unique menu, ensuring my students experienced a variety of flavors, never repeating the same dish too often. This particular recipe, served with light, fluffy couscous and a crisp salad, was always a hit, filling the kitchen with warm spices, citrusy aromas, and the comforting richness of slow-cooked tomatoes and bell peppers.
Cooking these dishes brings back wonderful memories, and I hope it creates new ones for you, too!
RECIPE:
Slow-Cooked Moroccan Sea Bass – A Fragrant, Flavorful Dish
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-4 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Flavorful Moroccan Sauce:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced into ½-inch strips
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into ½-inch strips
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed (optional but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
1½ teaspoons sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon hot paprika or smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky kick)
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including juice
¼ cup fresh orange juice
For the Fish:
2 pounds fresh sea bass fillets (substitute with halibut or snapper if unavailable)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 navel orange, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Preparation:
Build the Flavor Base
1️⃣ Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2️⃣ Stir in the saffron, sweet paprika, hot/smoked paprika, and ginger, allowing the spices to bloom for 1 more minute.
Create the Rich Tomato Sauce
3️⃣ Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring well to combine. Let it cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Transfer to Slow Cooker & Add Citrus
4️⃣ Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, then stir in the fresh orange juice.
Cook the Fish to Perfection
5️⃣ Place the sea bass fillets on top of the tomato mixture, spooning some of the sauce over the fish.
6️⃣ Cover and cook:
On high: 2 hours (for firmer fish that holds its shape)
On low: 3-4 hours (for ultra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture)
7️⃣ The fish is done when it flakes easily and is opaque in the center.
Finish with Fresh Herbs & Garnish
8️⃣ Carefully remove the fish using a spatula and transfer it to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
9️⃣ Stir in the fresh parsley and cilantro, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
🔟 Spoon some of the rich sauce over the fish and garnish with thin orange slices. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
Fluffy couscous (a classic pairing with Moroccan dishes)
A fresh cucumber and mint salad for a refreshing contrast
Moroccan flat bread to soak up the delicious sauce
Steamed saffron rice for an extra layer of Moroccan flavor
Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Sea Bass Recipe:
✅ Packed with Mediterranean & North African flavors – Warm spices, citrus, and slow-cooked tomatoes bring out the best in fresh fish.
✅ Easy & Hands-Free Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work, making this perfect for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining.
✅ Light, Healthy & Naturally Gluten-Free – This dish is rich in protein, low in carbs, and full of antioxidant-packed ingredients.
✅ Flexible with Fish Choices – Sea bass is ideal, but halibut or snapper work beautifully, too.
This Moroccan-inspired sea bass is a dish I hold close to my heart, bringing back beautiful memories of cooking classes in Cannes and mornings spent handpicking fresh ingredients at Marché Forville. Whether you're making it for a special dinner or a cozy night in, I hope it transports you to the vibrant markets and sun-drenched kitchens of the Mediterranean.
💬 Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how you serve it! 🍽️