SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE Recipe
If there’s one dish that makes me feel like I’m treating myself to dinner at a coastal bistro, it’s SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE. This recipe strikes that irresistible balance between elegance and comfort, showing off flaky, melt-in-your-mouth fish dressed up in a golden, fragrant sauce that’s both simple and totally luxurious. Whether you’re new to cooking sea bass or have made it a hundred times, this dish always shines as the centerpiece of the meal and feels like a special occasion—any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE is its unassuming list of ingredients. Each one pulls its weight, enhancing the texture, color, or flavor in just the right way. Take a look at how these staples come together to create something restaurant-worthy at home:
- Sea bass fillets (1 lb): The delicately flavored star of the dish; choose fresh, firm fillets for best results.
- Paprika (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle smokiness and lovely hue to the crust of the fish.
- Onion salt (1/4 tsp): Seasoning that offers a subtle, savory background.
- Seasoning salt (1/4 tsp): Lifts every flavor in the dish and gives the fish a little extra zing.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): For a hint of earthy warmth that plays beautifully against the garlic butter.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp for frying + 1 tbsp for sauce): Creates a golden sear on the fish and silkiness in the sauce.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze at the end wakes up all the flavors and adds brightness.
- Butter (1 1/2 tbsp): Rich, creamy body for the sauce—don’t skimp!
- Dried parsley (1 tsp): Brings a pop of fresh, green color and herbal notes to the butter.
- Crushed garlic (1 tsp): Bottled or fresh, garlic is essential for the sauce’s aromatic depth.
- Salt (1/8 tsp): Just a touch to balance the richness and bring out the best in the ingredients.
How to Make SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
Step 1: Prep and Season the Sea Bass
Start by giving your sea bass fillets a gentle rinse under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Combine your paprika, onion salt, seasoning salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on both sides of the fish, ensuring every bite will have that light, zesty crust. The dry seasoning acts as the flavor base for the SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir in the dried parsley, crushed garlic, and a small pinch of salt. Keep an eye on it—the sauce is ready as soon as it’s hot and gently bubbling, releasing that unmistakable aroma. This sauce will be the moment-stealer that brings luxuriously bold garlic flavor to your sea bass.
Step 3: Cook the Sea Bass
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Gently place your seasoned sea bass fillets in the pan. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on the first side until they form a light golden crust. Carefully flip the fillets, then spoon that bubbling garlic butter sauce right over the top—all the flavors come together here! Let the fish cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until it’s opaque and flaky at the thickest part. Your kitchen should smell incredible at this point.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Plate the SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE while it’s hot, spooning any lingering sauce from the pan over the top. Tuck a few lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness right before you dig in—the citrusy finish takes this dish from lovely to unforgettable.
How to Serve SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
Garnishes
A final flourish is always worth it. Freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika over the SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE brings vibrancy and a touch of sophistication to the plate. Lemon wedges are essential for squeezing over just before eating for that burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side of steamed asparagus, herby new potatoes, or a buttery risotto. Crusty artisan bread is another excellent choice to soak up every drop of the irresistible sauce. A lightly dressed green salad rounds out the meal and provides a crisp contrast to the rich fish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable dinner-party presentation, arrange the SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE over a bed of wilted spinach, or top with microgreens for a pop of color and freshness. Try plating on a large, shallow bowl with a swirl of sauce for restaurant flair. Individual portions served atop citrus slices make for a striking and festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE fresh, transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The fish will stay tender and flavorful for up to 2 days—just remember to spoon some of the sauce over the top to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
While freshly cooked sea bass is at its best, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Wrap individual fillets in parchment paper and seal in a freezer bag, along with a bit of sauce. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for gentle, even defrosting.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Avoid microwaving, as that can toughen the delicate fish. Heat just until warmed through and serve with fresh lemon to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sea bass for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them very dry to get the best sear and texture for your SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE.
Is there a substitute for sea bass?
Yes! Black cod, halibut, or even tilapia can work nicely, though the texture may vary. The key is choosing a mild, flaky white fish that can stand up to the robust garlic butter sauce.
How can I make the garlic flavor milder?
If you prefer a subtler garlic note, use roasted or sautéed garlic instead of raw or heavily crushed garlic in the sauce. It’ll lend sweetness and depth without overpowering the fish.
Can I make SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE dairy-free?
Simply replace the butter with your favorite plant-based butter and ensure your side dishes are dairy-free—you’ll still enjoy rich, aromatic results with plenty of flavor.
What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is the perfect match for SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE, complementing the buttery sauce and delicate fish without overwhelming it.
Final Thoughts
Once you try SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE, you’ll see just how easy it is to bring gourmet flair to the dinner table at home. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for both weeknights and special occasions—it’s a dish that’s sure to win you fans every time you serve it. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!
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SEA BASS IN GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sea Bass in Garlic Butter Sauce recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender sea bass fillets with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. The fish is seasoned with a mix of spices, then pan-seared to perfection and served with a drizzle of the luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant seafood dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Sea Bass Fillets:
- 1 lb sea bass fillets
- 1/4 tsp paprika (1 mL)
- 1/4 tsp onion salt (1 mL)
- 1/4 tsp seasoning salt (1 mL)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (1 mL)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
- Lemon wedges
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter (22 mL)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (5 mL)
- 1 tsp crushed garlic (I use the bottled kind) (5 mL)
- 1/8 tsp salt (0.5 mL)
Instructions
- Prepare Sea Bass Fillets: Wash fish fillets under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Combine paprika, onion salt, seasoning salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle seasoning on both sides of the fish.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine butter, olive oil, parsley, crushed garlic, and salt. Heat until hot and sauce is bubbling.
- Cook Sea Bass: In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook sea bass fillets for about 3 minutes on one side. Turn, coat with Garlic Butter Sauce, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more or until done.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 359.8
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Sodium: Undetermined
- Fat: 20.0 g
- Saturated Fat: Undetermined
- Unsaturated Fat: Undetermined
- Trans Fat: Undetermined
- Carbohydrates: Undetermined
- Fiber: Undetermined
- Protein: 42.1 g
- Cholesterol: Undetermined
Keywords: sea bass, garlic butter sauce, seafood, pan-seared, fish dinner
