Best Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass

This recipe for pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass is bursting with juicy flavor. With a simple lemon butter herb sauce, this healthy and delicious meal looks like it’s from the fanciest restaurant in town! And to top it all off, it’s a one-pan meal that you can turn around in just 20 minutes.

What Is Chilean Sea Bass?

Sea bass is a broad term that can refer to several different types of fish, which are various types of cod.  Chilean sea bass is also used to describe both Antarctic toothfish and Patagonian toothfish. These cold-water fish are found in the Pacific, southern Atlantic, and Indian oceans.

Known for its rich flavor, Chilean sea bass is a high-end fish. It’s a healthy white fish that is high in protein. Each fish weighs anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chilean sea bass
• unsalted butter
• garlic
• oregano
• lemon
• salt and pepper
• parsley for garnish

How to Make Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass

• Pat fish dry with paper towels. Then season with sea salt and black pepper.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter. Once melted, place fish skin side down in the skillet.
• Cook for 5 minutes. Allow the fish to cook for 5 minutes.
• While fish is cooking, melt the remaining butter in a microwave-safe dish. Combine with minced garlic and oregano.
• Flip the fish after 5 minutes, and pour herb butter sauce over fish.
• Slice lemons into round discs and place them on the skillet.
• Cook until the fish begins to flake (about 5 more minutes).
• Remove from heat and plate the fish. Pour pan juices over the fish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve right away.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chilean Sea Bass

• Invest in high-quality fish from a fresh fish market for optimal results.
• Be sure not to overcook Chilean sea bass. Once the surface begins to flake, remove from heat and plate immediately. 
• Serve immediately with pan or oven juices for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Chilean sea bass pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, fries, or a salad.
• Though best served fresh, Chilean sea bass can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refrigerate with the oven or pan juices to preserve the flavor.

How To Buy White Fish

Follow these tips to choose the best fresh fish: 

• Smell: Good quality fish has to pass the smell test. Fresh fish has a neutral smell of the sea. If it smells very fishy, it is not fresh fish.
• Appearance: The skin should be clean and free of discoloration. Do not purchase fish that is dull, browned, or mushy.

If you cannot get a hold of fresh fish, you can also look for frozen fish at your local grocery store. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Absolutely. You can replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free meal. 

How Do I Know When The Fish Is Done Cooking?

Chilean sea bass is done when the skin begins to flake easily. You can also slide a fork into the fish and peek at the inside. The flesh should be translucent and should flake apart easily.

What’s Special about Chilean Sea Bass?

Chilean sea bass is a high-quality fish with a delectable flavor. It pairs well with so many side dishes and sauces and is one of the most sought-after fish.

What is the Difference Between Chilean Sea Bass and Sea Bass?

Sea bass, light white sea bass or black sea bass, and Chilean sea bass are not the same. European sea bass types are from different families of fish. Chilean sea bass is longer, weighs more, and is known for swimming deeper and living longer than other types of sea bass. 

Is Chilean Sea Bass Healthy?

Tasty Chilean sea bass is a very healthy fish that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, and known for multiple health benefits.

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Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass Recipe

This recipe for pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass is bursting with juicy flavor. With a simple lemon butter herb sauce, this healthy and delicious meal looks like it’s from the fanciest restaurant in town! And to top it all off, it’s a one-pan meal that you can turn around in just 20 minutes.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

• 2 fillets Chilean sea bass
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 lemon
• salt and pepper to taste
• parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Pat fish dry with paper towels. Then season with sea salt and black pepper.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, place fish skin side down in the skillet.
• Cook for 5 minutes. Allow fish to cook 5 minutes.
• While fish is cooking, melt the remaining butter in a microwave-safe dish. Combine with minced garlic and oregano.
• Flip the fish after 5 minutes, and pour herb butter sauce over fish.
• Slice lemons into round discs and place them on the skillet.
• Cook until the fish begins to flake (about 5 more minutes).
• Remove from heat and plate the fish. Pour pan juices over the fish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve right away.

Notes

• Cooking time can vary by the thickness of the fish.
• Add more butter if the skillet begins to dry out.
• Fish should until it begins to flake.
• Place leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. For best results, store with pan juices.