Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Garlic Oregano Butter and Lemon Recipe
This Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass recipe delivers a sumptuous and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. Featuring tender, flaky sea bass filets cooked in butter infused with garlic and oregano, complemented by fragrant lemon slices, this dish offers a delightful balance of rich and zesty flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for seafood lovers seeking a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Sea Bass
- 2 filets Chilean sea bass (about 5 to 6 ounces each)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
Butter Herb Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter or ghee (divided)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp oregano
Additional
- 1 lemon (sliced into round discs)
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Pat the Chilean sea bass filets dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with sea salt and ground pepper to enhance the flavor and create a good crust during cooking.
- Heat the skillet and sear fish: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt completely. Once melted, carefully place the sea bass filets in the skillet skin side down to ensure crispy skin and even cooking.
- Cook first side: Let the fish cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden crust while the inside begins to cook through.
- Prepare butter herb sauce: While the fish is cooking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe dish. Stir in the minced garlic and oregano to infuse the butter with aromatic flavors.
- Flip fish and add sauce: After 5 minutes, gently flip the sea bass filets to cook on the other side. Pour the prepared garlic oregano butter sauce over the fish to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Add lemon slices: Place the lemon slices around or on top of the fish in the skillet to impart a fresh citrus aroma and tangy flavor as it finishes cooking.
- Cook second side: Continue cooking the fish for another 5 minutes or until it becomes flaky and opaque, ensuring it is perfectly cooked through.
- Serve and garnish: Carefully remove the fish from the skillet and transfer to serving plates. Spoon any remaining butter herb sauce from the pan over the fish. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Be gentle when flipping the fish to keep the filets intact.
- If you prefer, you can substitute ghee for butter to add a nuttier flavor.
- Lemon slices can be squeezed over the fish before serving for extra brightness.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
