Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus and Fennel Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate sea bass fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, paired with a refreshing fennel and citrus salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 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 330 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 330 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 sea bass fillets and season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place fillets skin side down in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb, 1 large segmented orange, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Toss gently until the salad is well coated.
  4. Step 4: Serve the sea bass fillets topped with the citrus fennel salad for a bright, fresh contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus and Fennel Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Citrus and Fennel Salad?

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 Citrus and Fennel Salad?

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 Citrus and Fennel Salad 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 Citrus and Fennel Salad?

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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