Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Charred Corn and Avocado Relish

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

Tender sea bass fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served atop a vibrant relish of charred corn, avocado, and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 5 oz each sea bass fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 4 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until kernels are charred and fragrant. Transfer corn to a bowl and let cool.
  2. Step 2: To the cooled charred corn, add 1 diced large avocado, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir gently to combine and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 4 sea bass fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and butter is foaming.
  5. Step 5: Place the sea bass fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Step 7: Remove fish from skillet and spoon the charred corn and avocado relish over the fillets before serving for a fresh, smoky contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Charred Corn and Avocado Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Charred Corn and Avocado Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Charred Corn and Avocado Relish?

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 Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Charred Corn and Avocado Relish 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 Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Charred Corn and Avocado Relish?

Mediterranean 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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