Saddled Seabream

What Is Saddled Bream?

Saddled bream (Oblada melanura) is an agile, silvery-bodied coastal fish from the same family as gilt-head bream and other porgies. Its most distinctive marking is the saddle-shaped dark black spot right in front of the tail stalk, which is why it's called "saddled bream" in English.

It lives in schools in shallow, rocky, weedy waters close to shore. Its firm, white, low-fat flesh is prized; its medium size makes it suitable for cooking whole.

Saddled Bream's Nutritional Values

Like other coastal fish of the bream family, saddled bream contains about 100 kcal of energy and high protein per 100 grams; since verified USDA data specific to this species is limited, values are approximated from a similar profile.

What Are the Benefits of Saddled Bream?

With its high-quality protein and low fat content, saddled bream can be considered part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; saddled bream is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Saddled Bream?

Fresh saddled bream has bright eyes, red gills, firm flesh, and a clean sea smell. Its silvery skin should be shiny, and the tail spot should be distinct.

• Eyes should be bright, gills should be red
• Skin should be shiny silver, flesh should be firm
• The sea smell should be clean

How Is Saddled Bream Stored?

Fresh saddled bream is stored on ice, in the coldest part of the refrigerator, for 1–2 days; once cleaned, it can be kept in the freezer in an airtight bag for months.

Using Saddled Bream in the Kitchen

Saddled bream is most used grilled and dredged in flour and fried; it's also used steamed and baked. Its medium size is suitable for whole cooking, and it pairs well with lemon, olive oil, and parsley.

How Is Grilled Saddled Bream Made?

The cleaned fish is rubbed with salt and olive oil and cooked on a hot grill until both sides are browned; it's served with lemon once the skin crisps up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are saddled bream and gilt-head bream the same?

They're related fish from the same family; saddled bream is distinguished by the dark spot on its tail and is generally smaller. Their flesh is similarly firm and white.

What does saddled bream taste like?

It has a white, mildly sweet, non-sharp taste; it's at its best when eaten fresh.

Does saddled bream have a lot of bones?

As a medium-sized fish, it has bones; it's eaten by carefully removing them after grilling or frying.