Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon and Dill
Delicate sea bass fillets crisped to perfection and brightened with fresh lemon and dill, ready in 15 minutes. This seafood-inspired one pot ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) sea bass fillets, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each) sea bass fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1, sliced lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the sea bass fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned sea bass fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 4: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove the fish from the skillet and drizzle with 2 tbsp lemon juice and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped dill.
- Step 6: Garnish with lemon slices 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 Lemon and Dill take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Lemon and Dill?
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 (6 oz each) sea bass fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon and Dill?
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 Lemon and Dill for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon and Dill?
Seafood one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
