Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Delicately pan-seared sea bass fillets paired with vibrant roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a light, Mediterranean-inspired plate. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) sea bass fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, pat dry 4 sea bass fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Place sea bass fillets skin side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Remove fish from heat and drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Plate the fillets and spoon the roasted cherry tomatoes over the top.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil over the dish and serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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.
