Italian Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared sea bass fillets topped with a fresh tomato and basil sauce, offering a light yet flavorful Italian seafood dish. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) sea bass fillets, divided olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 sea bass fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place the sea bass fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove fillets and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they soften and release juices. Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce slightly reduces.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Spoon the tomato basil sauce over the sea bass fillets and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Italian Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Italian Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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