Seared Citrus-Glazed Sea Bass with Fennel and Orange Salad

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

Pan-seared sea bass glazed with a bright citrus sauce, paired with a crisp fennel and orange salad for a fresh seafood entrée. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs sea bass fillets, skin-on, olive oil, orange juice, freshly squeezed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 sea bass fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place skin side down in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove fish and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and 2 tbsp honey. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb, 1 cup orange segments, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp white wine vinegar. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Plate the sea bass fillets and drizzle generously with the citrus glaze. Serve alongside the fennel and orange salad for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Citrus-Glazed Sea Bass with Fennel and Orange Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Seared Citrus-Glazed Sea Bass with Fennel and Orange Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Citrus-Glazed Sea Bass with Fennel and Orange 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 Seared Citrus-Glazed Sea Bass with Fennel and Orange 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 Seared Citrus-Glazed Sea Bass with Fennel and Orange 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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