🐟 Lemon Garlic Sea Bass

Tender, flaky sea bass is pan-seared until golden, then finished with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. This elegant yet simple dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Sea Bass

• 4 sea bass fillets (5–6 oz/140–170 g each), skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for extra sauce)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish

• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh dill (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the Fish

• Pat the sea bass dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Sear the Sea Bass

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• If using skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down first.
• Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crisp.
• Flip carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
• Transfer to a warm plate.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium.
• Melt the butter in the same skillet.
• Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
• Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and broth (if using).
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Add parsley, dill, and red pepper flakes if desired.

4. Finish

• Return the sea bass to the skillet.
• Spoon the lemon garlic butter over the fillets for 1–2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed green beans
• Lemon herb rice
• Buttered broccoli
• Cauliflower mash (low-carb)
• Mixed green salad

🥣 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 34 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg (varies with seasoning)

💡 Tips

• Pat the fish dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
• Avoid overcooking—sea bass is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the brightest flavor, while fresh parsley and dill add a vibrant finish.
• For a richer sauce, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream during the final minute of simmering.