This Chilean sea bass recipe comes together in under 10 minutes and cooks perfectly every single time! Easy, elegant, and delicious.
The best Chilean Sea Bass Recipe
As someone who cooks dinner most nights, quick, healthy dinners are my favorite.
Over the past few years, I’ve followed more of a pescatarian style of eating, so seafood has become a big proportion of my meals. I like to try new things, especially fish, and recently, have fallen in love with cooking Chilean sea bass.
If you aren’t familiar with this fish, it is a white fish that is found in waters surrounding Chile (as the name suggests). You may be familiar with traditional sea bass, but this one is a little different.
It is a popular choice for those who don’t eat seafood regularly. Its texture is silky and buttery and has a very mild flavor. We love to cook this fish because it has no fishy flavor or aftertaste– perfect for those who are new to seafood.
By the way, cooking this fish comes together in less than 10 minutes and needs just four main ingredients.
Now, don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this dish and write it off. This is the best recipe that really allows the fish to shine, and a secret trick guarantees perfectly cooked fish every single time.
By the way, if you are a fan of grilled white fish, try the grilled red snapper or grilled grouper.
Ingredients needed
For such a decadent looking dish, you’ll love how simple the ingredient list is. Besides the fish itself, you probably have everything in your kitchen as we speak! Here is what you’ll need:
- Chilean sea bass fillets– Skinless sea bass fillets are preferred, as both sides of the fish cook evenly and consistently.
- Salt and pepper– To taste.
- Butter– Pan frying white fish fillets in butter takes the flavor of the dish to another level.
- Garlic– Freshly minced garlic, not the jarred kind!
- Lemon– Fresh lemons to squeeze over the freshly cooked fish.
How to cook sea bass?
The best way to cook this fish is to pan sear or pan fry it stovetop. This really allows the natural sweet flavors to stand out, and guarantees the buttery and flaky texture it is famous for. While baking the fish works too, it can be a little more time-consuming and less flaky.
Ready to cook some fish?
Step 1- Prepare the fish
Start by pat drying the fish filets with paper towel, before sprinkling one side on each filet with salt and pepper.
Step 2- Cook the fish
Next, add the butter into a non-stick pan or skillet and placing it over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and cook for a minute, until fragrant. Use a wooden spoon to push them to the sides and add the sea bass, season side down.
Cook the fish for 2-3 minutes, or until the underside looks golden and crispy. Sprinkle the unseasoned side of the fish with salt and pepper, then flip the filets and cook the other side for another two minutes.
Step 3- Garnish and serve
Now, remove the cooked fish from the pan/skillet and drizzle with pan juices, garlic, and squeeze half a fresh lemon over.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Depending on the size of your sea bass filets, the cooking time may vary. My fillets were around 6 ounces, so the cooking time instructed was perfect for them. If your fillets are bigger, you may need to cook a little longer. Also, always choose filets of a similar weight so they all cook evenly.
- The fish is ready to serve when it is completely opaque throughout and flakes easily.
- White fish like Chilean sea bass is best tasting when flavored simply. While you can add other herbs and spices, it detracts from the natural sweet flavors of the fish. Instead, serve the fish with some fun side dishes, like cauliflower potato salad or a pasta salad.
How to pick the best fish
Like other fish and seafood out there, choosing the best sea bass will affect the overall flavor and texture.
- Ensure the fish has no strong odors and have a mild and sweet fragrance. If there is any fishy smell, it’s usually several days old and not freshly caught.
- There should be no dry spots on the fillets and look firm and moist.
- After purchasing your sea bass, take it directly home and cook it that day.
- Never freeze the fresh filets, as once thawed, they won’t cook or taste the same.
Storing and freezing and instructions
- To store: Leftover sea bass can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.
- To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled bass in a sealable container and store it in the freezer for up to two months. The fish must be thawed completely before reheating.
- Reheating: Either microwave the fish for 30-40 seconds or reheat in a non-stick pan until crispy around the edges.
More grilled fish recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
Like most white fish, Chilean sea bass is healthy and low calorie, that is also high in protein, selenium, and vitamin b12. Although low in fat, they do contain small amounts of omega 3 fatty acids.
Sea bass is one of the more expensive kinds of fish, as the fisherman are required to sail out deep into the open sea to catch them.
A good fillet of sea bass or Chilean sea bass should have minimal spices on it and cooked in either olive oil or butter. Because it is quite ‘basic’ in terms of preparation, keep the sides fresh and simple. Some delicious options include a kani salad, potato salad, coleslaw, or even a broccoli salad.
Sea bass is the family name of the fish, with the Chilean sea bass being one type that falls under it.
Chilean Sea Bass Recipe | Grilled In Just 10 Minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat dry the fish filets then season one side with salt and pepper.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter into a non-stick pan or skillet. Once hot, add the garlic and pan fry for a minute. Use a rubber spatula and spread to the side.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and, once melted, add the Chilean sea bass filets, seasoned side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the underside is golden. While the first side cooks, sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Carefully flip the fish and cook for a further two minutes, or until fully opaque.
- Remove the sea bass filets from the pan and drizzle each filet with pan juices. Squeeze one quarter of the lemon over each piece and fish and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Delicious!! Such an easy and perfect way to cook this fish. Thanks for the recipe, Arman!
Just made this recipe and it was so delicious! My pieces were bigger so they cooked for a little longer. Thanks for sharing.
Is this a “typo”? 2.5 min each side? Not 5-6 min? Check it please.
How thick are your fillets?
Nice job of keeping it quick and simple. Used a cast iron skillet in the oven – keeper