Sea Bass (Qarous): Price, How to Choose It and the Best Ways to Cook It
Sea bass (qarous) is a mild, white-fleshed sea fish with few bones, which makes it one of the easiest fish to cook at home. Its price depends on size, whether it is fresh or freshly frozen, and the season. Freshly frozen sea bass is frozen within hours of the catch, so it keeps its firm texture and clean taste and is available all year at a stable price. The live price is shown below and updates automatically.
Sea bass available now
What decides the price of sea bass?
- Size: larger fish cost more per kilo but give thicker fillets.
- Fresh or freshly frozen: fresh fish must be sold within days, so prices move daily; freshly frozen sea bass is steadier and available year-round.
- Season and catch: wild catch varies through the year, which affects market prices.
- Cleaning: cleaned and scaled fish saves you time and waste.
How to choose good sea bass
- Clear, bright eyes and red gills on fresh fish.
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed.
- Frozen fish should be hard frozen, with no ice crystals inside the pack.
The best ways to cook sea bass
Baked whole in the oven
Score both sides, stuff with lemon, garlic and herbs, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes, depending on size.
Grilled over charcoal
Brush with oil and a little cumin and salt, then grill 6–8 minutes per side until the skin is crisp.
Pan-fried fillets
Dry the fillets well, cook skin-side down in a hot pan for 3–4 minutes, flip and finish for 1–2 minutes.
Tip: thaw frozen sea bass overnight in the fridge, never on the counter.
More fish from Maxim Food
Freshly Frozen Tilapia Fish (Bolty Fish)
Price range: 170 EGP through 180 EGPFrequently asked questions
Is sea bass the same as qarous?
Yes. Qarous is the Egyptian name for European sea bass.
How many people does one sea bass serve?
Plan about 300–400g of whole fish per person, or 180–200g of fillet.
Is freshly frozen sea bass as good as fresh?
When it is frozen within hours of the catch and kept at -18°C, the taste and texture after cooking are very close to fresh.
Do you deliver sea bass today?
Yes. Orders before 5 PM are delivered the same day across Cairo and Giza.