Description
This quick and elegant Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass recipe delivers a perfectly golden crust on tender, flaky fish. Searing the sea bass in ghee infuses it with rich buttery flavor accented by fragrant garlic and zesty lemon slices, making an impressive yet easy dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 Chilean Sea Bass filets (4–6 oz each)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Cooking & Garnish
- 3 tablespoons ghee
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the Chilean sea bass filets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season the flesh side evenly with salt and ground pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to warm fully before adding any fat, ensuring a proper sear.
- Sear Skin Side: Add 1 tablespoon of ghee to the hot pan. Once melted and shimmering, carefully place the sea bass filets skin side down. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to form a crispy golden crust.
- Flip and Sear Flesh Side: Flip the filets gently and sear the flesh side for an additional 5 minutes, maintaining medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Add Garlic Butter: Flip the filets again. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee along with the minced garlic cloves to the pan. Continuously spoon the melted garlic butter over the fish to coat and flavor it thoroughly.
- Cook with Lemon Slices: Add lemon slices to the skillet around the fish. Continue cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the sea bass is tender and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook to retain moisture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the cooked sea bass immediately from the skillet to prevent overcooking. Pour the flavorful garlic lemon butter from the pan over the filets. Garnish with the cooked lemon slices and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry is essential for a good sear and crispy skin.
- Use medium-high heat to get a golden crust without burning the ghee or fish.
- Spoon the garlic butter over the fish repeatedly for rich flavor and moisture.
- Do not overcook the sea bass as it can become dry and lose its delicate texture.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, buttery fish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Fish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American