Smoked Sea Bass with Citrus and Herb Butter

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

Delicately smoked sea bass topped with a vibrant citrus and herb butter, highlighting fresh farm-to-table flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 60 minutes pairs 6 oz each sea bass fillets, softened unsalted butter, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 200°F and add 2 cups soaked apple wood chips.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 sea bass fillets with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 2 minced garlic cloves until well blended.
  4. Step 4: Place the fillets on the smoker rack and smoke for 45 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove the fish and immediately spread the citrus-herb butter evenly over each fillet while warm. Serve garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Sea Bass with Citrus and Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Smoked Sea Bass with Citrus and Herb Butter?

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 Smoked Sea Bass with Citrus and Herb Butter?

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 Smoked Sea Bass with Citrus and Herb Butter 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 Smoked Sea Bass with Citrus and Herb Butter?

American 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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