Lemon-Glazed Sea Bass with Aperol Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate sea bass fillets seared to perfection and finished with a vibrant sauce that captures Aperol's signature orange brightness. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes blends (6 ounces each) sea bass fillets, ounces Aperol, ounce fresh lemon juice 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 280 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.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until crisp, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove fillets and set aside. Add 1/4 cup minced shallot to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until softened.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 ounces Aperol and 1 ounce lemon juice, scraping the bottom to release fond. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 ounces chicken stock and 1 teaspoon lemon zest, then simmer for 3 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter until melted and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Return sea bass to the skillet, spooning sauce over top, and cook for 1 minute to reheat without overcooking.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Glazed Sea Bass with Aperol Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Glazed Sea Bass with Aperol 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 Lemon-Glazed Sea Bass with Aperol 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 Lemon-Glazed Sea Bass with Aperol 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 Lemon-Glazed Sea Bass with Aperol 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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