If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines simplicity with restaurant-quality flavor, this Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. The crispy skin on the sea bass fillets pairs perfectly with the rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, while fresh lemon juice adds just the right touch of brightness. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something truly satisfying and elegant on a weeknight.

Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe lies in its modest yet essential ingredient list. Each component brings something unique to the plate, whether it’s texture, vibrant flavor, or a pop of color that brightens the dish.

4 sea bass fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on: The star of the dish, providing tender, flaky fish with crisp skin when cooked right.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that coveted crispy skin.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the luscious garlic butter sauce that envelops the fish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a fragrant and savory depth to the butter sauce.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with refreshing acidity.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Offers a fragrant citrus punch that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh green color and fresh herbaceous note on top.
Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for an extra squeeze of citrus just before eating.

How to Make Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Fillets

Before anything else, pat your sea bass fillets dry with paper towels—this step is key to ensuring the skin crisps up nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish. Don’t skip this because it’s where the seasoning foundation begins.

Step 2: Sear the Sea Bass Skin-Side Down

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Carefully place the fillets skin-side down in the pan, and then resist the urge to move them. Cooking undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes lets the skin turn perfectly golden and crunchy while the flesh starts to cook through.

Step 3: Flip and Add Garlic Butter

Once the skin is delightfully crisp and the fish is mostly opaque, flip the fillets over gently. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter right into the pan along with the minced garlic. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the fillets continuously, infusing every bite with that rich, garlicky magic over the next 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Serve

Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan for that zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately transfer the fillets to plates. Spoon the fragrant garlic butter over the top, scatter fresh parsley for an herbaceous lift, and don’t forget those lemon wedges for squeezing just before enjoying.

How to Serve Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a subtle herbal freshness that brightens the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Lemon wedges are also essential—they let each diner tailor the citrus zing to their taste, complementing the buttery fish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t overwhelm the delicate sea bass. Think steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans, roasted baby potatoes to soak up that garlic butter, or a crisp, refreshing salad for textural contrast and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, try plating this Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe atop a bed of creamy risotto or cauliflower puree. You can also drizzle some of the leftover garlic butter over fire-roasted cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and color on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the sea bass fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep the garlic butter sauce separate if possible to maintain its best texture.

Freezing

Because of the delicate texture of cooked sea bass, freezing is generally not recommended as it may change the fish’s quality. However, if you must freeze, wrap the cooked fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and consume within one month for best results.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm the sea bass in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the fish. Reheat any leftover garlic butter sauce on the stove briefly and drizzle over the fish before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe shines with sea bass, other firm white fish like halibut or snapper will also work beautifully, giving you similarly satisfying results.

How do I ensure the skin gets crispy without sticking?

Patting the fish dry before cooking and using a hot pan with enough oil are key. Also, resist moving the fillets around once you place them skin-side down. This helps the skin release naturally when it’s crisp and ready.

What’s the best way to mince garlic for the butter sauce?

Use a sharp knife to finely mince the garlic cloves so that the pieces are small and can infuse the butter evenly. Alternatively, a garlic press works great for an even finer texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?

You can prep the fillets by seasoning them in advance and having your ingredients ready, but for the crispiest skin and best flavor, cook the fish just before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or gluten-free diet?

Definitely yes! This Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for many dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of crisp skin, tender sea bass, and the rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of lemon. This Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both luxurious and approachable. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a fabulous way to bring a little gourmet magic into your kitchen with ease and lots of flavor.

Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter Recipe

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4 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Pan-Roasted Sea Bass with Garlic Butter is a simple yet elegant seafood dish featuring crispy skin and tender, flavorful fish topped with a rich garlic butter sauce accented by fresh lemon and parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it pairs beautifully with vegetables, potatoes, or salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

4 sea bass fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Cooking and Garnish

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Season the Fish: Pat the sea bass fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Pan-Roast the Skin Side: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish is mostly opaque.
Flip and Add Garlic Butter: Flip the fillets carefully and reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts, spoon it continuously over the fish to infuse flavor and complete cooking for another 2–3 minutes depending on thickness.
Finish with Lemon and Serve: Stir in lemon juice and zest to the butter in the pan, then remove from heat. Transfer the fillets to serving plates, spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Serve this dish with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light fresh salad to complete your meal.
The recipe works equally well with other firm white fish such as halibut or snapper for variation.
To achieve crispy skin, make sure the fillets are dry before seasoning and avoid moving the fish while cooking skin-side down.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean