Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Butter and Herb Salad

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

Delicate pan-seared sea bass fillets finished with a bright lemon butter sauce and served alongside a fresh herb and arugula salad. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs 6 oz each sea bass fillets, salt, black pepper 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 sea bass fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for an additional 3 minutes while spooning melted butter over the fish.
  4. Step 4: Remove the sea bass from heat, then stir 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tbsp chopped dill into the pan juices to create a lemon butter sauce.
  5. Step 5: In a bowl, toss 4 cups arugula and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  6. Step 6: Serve the sea bass fillets topped with the lemon butter sauce alongside the fresh herb salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Butter and Herb Salad 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 Butter and Herb 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 6 oz each sea bass fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Butter and Herb 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 Lemon Butter and Herb 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 Lemon Butter and Herb 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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