Seared Sea Bass

Introduction:

This Sared Sea Bass with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce is the perfect dish to make for a special dinner or a weeknight treat. The delicate flavor of the sea bass is complemented by a creamy lemon-dill sauce that adds brightness and depth. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress your guests!

Seared Sea Bass


Reasons to Love This Seared Sea Bass Recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner gathering.
  • Delicious and Flavorful: The lemon dill cream sauce adds the right amount of zest and creaminess without overpowering the fish.
  • Versatile: Whether you serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, this dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 4 sea bass fillets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions:

  • Fish Substitutes: If sea bass is unavailable, try halibut, cod, or snapper.
  • Cream Alternatives: Use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
  • Herb Variations: Swap fresh dill for tarragon, parsley, or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs or fish spatula
  • Zester or grater
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pat the sea bass fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fillets, skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Add fresh dill and butter to the sauce, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Return the sea bass to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove the fillets and place them on serving plates. Spoon additional sauce over the top. Garnish with extra dill, if desired.


What to Serve with Seared Sea Bass:

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach would complement the fish beautifully.


How to Store Seared Sea Bass:
Leftover sea bass should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 1-2 days.


Can I Freeze Seared Sea Bass?

While it’s not recommended to freeze the fish after cooking (as the texture may change), you can freeze the lemon dill cream sauce separately for future use. To do this, place the sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use frozen sea bass for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for best results.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it gently before serving.

Resources

The Benefits of Sea Bass and How to Cook It

Mastering Cream Sauces: A Guide to Perfect Pairings


Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 1g


Conclusion

This Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated dish that will make any meal feel special. With its creamy, zesty sauce and perfectly cooked fish, it’s a dinner recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Enjoy!

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Seared Sea Bass

This Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce is the perfect dish to make for a special dinner or a weeknight treat. The delicate flavor of the sea bass is complemented by a creamy lemon-dill sauce that adds brightness and depth. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress your guests!

 

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Total Time: 25
  • Yield: 4servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 sea bass fillets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  • Prepare the Fish: Pat the sea bass fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  • Cook the Fish: Place the sea bass fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • Deglaze the Skillet: Lower the heat to medium. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to release their flavor.
  • Make the Sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  • Finish the Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Combine the Fish and Sauce: Return the cooked sea bass fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the fillets heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  • Serve: Remove the fillets from the skillet and transfer them to serving plates. Spoon extra sauce over the fish and garnish with additional dill if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Fish Alternatives: If you can’t find sea bass, you can substitute with other firm, white fish such as cod, snapper, or halibut.
  • Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version of the sauce, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
  • Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh dill, parsley or tarragon are great alternatives for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or a splash of water.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, try serving it with steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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