Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Romesco Sauce and Roasted Peppers

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

Delicate sea bass fillets pan-seared and served with a smoky, nutty Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, and tomatoes. This spanish-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes blends divided olive oil, toasted almonds, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 large chopped roasted red bell peppers and 2 medium peeled chopped tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Transfer roasted pepper and tomato mixture to a blender. Add 1/4 cup toasted almonds, 1 tbsp sherry vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and blend until smooth. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat remaining 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 sea bass fillets with salt and pepper. Place fillets skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Serve each sea bass fillet topped with 3-4 tbsp romesco sauce, garnished with extra toasted almonds if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Romesco Sauce and Roasted Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Romesco Sauce and Roasted Peppers?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Romesco Sauce and Roasted Peppers?

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 Romesco Sauce and Roasted Peppers 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 Romesco Sauce and Roasted Peppers?

Spanish 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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