If you are craving a seafood dish that combines simplicity with impressive flavor, the Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish features perfectly crispy skin on tender, flaky sea bass fillets bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s a delightful balance of rich, savory, and zesty notes that feels both luxurious and comforting—an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short list — each ingredient is essential and thoughtfully chosen to create outstanding flavor and texture. From the buttery richness enhancing the tender sea bass to the fresh lemon zest adding a pop of brightness, these simple elements come together beautifully.
- Sea bass fillets (skin on): Choose 6-ounce portions for the perfect thickness and crispy skin texture.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve a golden, crispy skin while adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- Salt: Enhances every element of flavor and seasons the fish perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Unsalted butter: The star ingredient in the garlic butter sauce, providing creaminess and depth.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the butter with its characteristic aromatic warmth and savory punch.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and lifts the flavors for a fresh finish.
- Lemon zest: Adds a fragrant citrus note as a final garnish.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brings a fresh herbal touch that adds color and complements the fish.
How to Make Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Season the Fillets
Start by patting your sea bass fillets completely dry using paper towels—this is crucial for crisp skin. Then, sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to build a flavor foundation.
Step 2: Crisp the Skin
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place each fillet skin-side down without crowding the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes to achieve a deeply golden, crispy skin that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking
Gently flip the fillets over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The fish will turn opaque and flake easily when ready, signaling perfectly cooked sea bass that remains moist and tender inside.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter along with minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts, carefully spoon the fragrant garlic butter over each fillet for about 1 minute. This step infuses every bite with savory richness without burning the delicate garlic.
Step 5: Brighten and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley, adding vibrant color and a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the buttery sauce.
How to Serve Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Simple and fresh garnishes like extra lemon wedges and a few sprigs of parsley make an ideal visual and flavor accent. You can also offer a light scattering of toasted pine nuts or a touch of chili flakes for a little heat if you want to personalize your dish.
Side Dishes
This elegant fish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, a fluffy herbed rice, or even a crisp green salad. These sides complement the sea bass without overpowering its delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the fish on a white plate with a swoosh of garlic butter sauce beneath it. Layering on sautéed baby spinach or placing the fillets atop a bed of lemon-tinged quinoa creates a refined and appealing look that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners with a touch of finesse.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pan-roasted sea bass in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping the buttery garlic sauce separate helps maintain the texture of the fish.
Freezing
While sea bass is best enjoyed fresh to preserve its texture, you can freeze cooked fillets wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers carefully in a low oven or skillet on gentle heat, avoiding the microwave to maintain crispy skin and tender fish. Adding a little fresh butter or lemon juice during reheating will refresh the flavors.
FAQs
What is the best way to get crispy skin on sea bass?
Make sure the fillets are well dried before cooking and use a hot skillet with enough olive oil. Cook skin-side down without moving for several minutes to allow a golden crust to form.
Can I use frozen sea bass for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and crispy skin.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic after flipping the fish when the heat is lowered to medium-low, and continuously spoon the melted butter over the garlic to keep it from burning.
Can I substitute the butter in the recipe?
Butter is key for the flavor and richness, but for a lighter option, you can use olive oil with garlic and lemon, though the taste and texture will differ.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe the Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to impress guests. Once you try making it, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this buttery, garlicky, and beautifully crisp fish—give it a go and watch it become a new favorite in your repertoire!
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Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pan-roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter recipe features perfectly crispy skin and tender, flavorful fillets enhanced by a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and parsley. Quick and simple to make, it’s an elegant main course ideal for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Sea Bass Fillets
- 4 sea bass fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the sea bass fillets dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a crispy skin.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. This will ensure the skin crisps up nicely without sticking.
- Cook Skin-Side Down: Place the seasoned fillets in the skillet skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown, which locks in moisture and texture.
- Flip the Fillets: Carefully flip each fillet using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked through, but still moist and tender inside.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the fillets continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to infuse the fish with flavor without burning.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fillets, then garnish with lemon zest and finely chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure fish is completely dry before cooking to maximize skin crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, a side of rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
