Imagine a dish that transports you to a seaside restaurant, where the ocean breeze mingles with the aroma of freshly cooked fish. This pan-seared sea bass with creamy dill sauce embodies that experience, delivering a delightful flavor profile that dances on your palate. With a crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh, this recipe is designed to impress without overwhelming you in the kitchen.
Sea bass, known for its mild taste and buttery texture, pairs beautifully with the fresh and zesty notes of dill. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, bringing a touch of elegance to your table. Plus, with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality fish in no time.
Preparing the Sea Bass
For an exceptional dish, the preparation of the sea bass is crucial. Start by patting the fillets dry using a paper towel. This step ensures that the skin can crisp up beautifully when seared.
Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the fish and sets the stage for a delicious meal.
The Art of Searing
Once the fish is prepared, it’s time to sear it to perfection. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The right temperature is key to achieving that coveted crispy skin.
Place the sea bass fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the fillets gently and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through and easily flake with a fork.
Creating the Creamy Dill Sauce
While the fish is cooking, turn your attention to the creamy dill sauce. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, chopped dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Heat this mixture over low heat while stirring occasionally. The goal is to warm it through without boiling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your liking for an added depth of flavor.
Plating the Dish
The presentation is just as important as the preparation. Once the sea bass is cooked, carefully plate the fillets. Drizzle the creamy dill sauce generously over the top for a tantalizing finish.
To enhance the visual appeal, arrange lemon wedges around the plate. The bright yellow citrus contrasts beautifully with the golden fish and vibrant green dill, creating an inviting display.
Completing the Experience
Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh dill sprigs. This simple addition not only elevates the aesthetic but also emphasizes the flavor profile of the dish.
Set the plated sea bass on a rustic wooden table to enhance the gourmet feel. The combination of textures, colors, and flavors will have everyone eager to dig in.
Nutritional Insights
This delightful dish serves two and offers a balanced nutritional profile. With approximately 320 calories per serving, it boasts a healthy amount of protein at 20g, making it a satisfying choice for a main course.
The dish also contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the olive oil and heavy cream, contributing to its creamy texture and rich taste. Enjoying this meal as part of a balanced diet can be a delightful experience.
Delicious Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Dill Sauce
This sea bass recipe features a golden-brown exterior, seasoned perfectly to enhance the fish’s natural flavors. The creamy dill sauce adds a rich and tangy complement that elevates the dish, making each bite a harmonious blend of taste and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 sea bass fillets, skin-on
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the sea bass fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Fish: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Make the Dill Sauce: While the fish is cooking, in a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, chopped dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the sea bass and drizzle the creamy dill sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional fresh dill if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 fillets
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
