Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Herb Butter
A delicate sea bass fillet pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a bright citrus herb butter sauce that enhances its natural flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) sea bass fillets, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) sea bass fillets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 sea bass fillets and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Place the sea bass fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Step 4: Flip the fillets carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 5: Remove the fillets to a warm plate and wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
- Step 6: Lower the heat to medium and melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in the skillet. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tsp orange zest, cooking for another 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 8: Spoon the citrus herb butter over the sea bass fillets and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Citrus Herb Butter?
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 kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Herb Butter?
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 Herb Butter 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 Herb Butter?
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.
