This Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass recipe is such a simple, easy dish to make, but it’s amazing enough for special occasions! This mild, flakey fish is topped with a decadent herbed lemon butter sauce that’s restaurant-quality, but comes together so quickly!
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WHAT IS CHILEAN SEA BASS?
First off, #spoileralet, it’s NOT bass….or even SEA BASS. “Chilean Sea Bass” is a white fish and another name for the patagonian toothfish and the Antarctic toothfish. This fish lives in the cold, frigid waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans near Antarctica.
Actual sea bass from CHILE, is not readily imported to the United States and should not be eaten, according to the Marine Stewardship Council.
#TMI. All you really need to know is that Chilean Sea Bass is a delicate white fish that is absolutely delicious!!
If you aren’t a fish LOVER, this pan seared Chilean sea bass recipe might change your mind!
Serve this delicious, mild white fish over creamy mashed potatoes or with a green veggie like broccoli or sautéed spinach!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- A restaurant quality meal that’s easy to make at home!
- Fish cooks up in less than 10 minutes!
- Delicious served with mashed potatoes!
- Great for date night, Valentine’s Day, dinner parties or….
- Quick enough for a weeknight meal, too!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass:
INGREDIENT NOTES
Chilean Sea Bass: Most chain grocery stores will carry Chilean Sea Bass, but it’s not ALWAYS available. Higher end stores (like Whole Foods or Nugget) usually carry it year round. I buy mine at fresh at Costco. It is an expensive fish, which is why people opt to enjoy it on special occasions.
Herbs: Fresh herbs work best. Opt for fresh over dry herbs for the herbed butter sauce!
HOW TO MAKE PAN SEARED CHILEAN SEA BASS: STEP BY STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Pat fish dry with a paper towel, then season with sea salt or kosher salt.
Step 2: Melt olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Place fish skin side down (if you choose to keep the skin on). You can place lemon slices in the pan, too if you wish! Cook fish on one side for 3-4 minutes (time will really depend on the thickness of your fish).
Step 3: Flip fish and cook 2-3 minutes more on the other side. If you fish is super thick, you can choose to turn it and brown in on all sides if you like! Remove fish from pan and transfer to a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Melt butter in a small saucepan. When butter is melted, stir in herbs and garlic powder. Cook 15-30 seconds, stirring so butter doesn’t burn. Turn off the heat and stir in lemon zest.
Step 5: Pour butter sauce over fish and serve immediately.
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS
- Cooking times for the fish will vary a bit based on how large your filets are. 3-4 minutes on the first side (over medium heat) is usually perfect unless the fish is over 1 inch in thickness. Flip and cook on the other side until fish flakes easily or reaches an internal temp of 135°F (this is usually about another 2-4 minutes).
- If your fish is very thick (the filets in the photos are about 1 inch thick), you can choose to turn the fish a few times to ensure all sides are seared.
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Storage: Store fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat this fish at 50% power in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes OR on the stove over low heat. The lower heat ensures the fish doesn’t dry out.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Here are some substitutions for:
Chilean Sea Bass: Sablefish (also called Butterfish) and Halibut are both mild tasting white fish that are good substitutes for Chilean Sea Bass.
Herbs: I think the combo of parsley, basil and chives is delish, but you can mix up the herbs however you like! Use your favorite fresh herbs. Cilantro, thyme, scallions also work great!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It’s perfectly safe to eat the skin of Chilean sea bass. Keeping the skin on also helps keep the fish nice and juicy. It you start cooking skin side down, it’s easier to turn the fish, too! However, you can also choose to remove the skin and cook the fish that way too.
It is compared to other fish. At the time of this writing, the price per pound of Chilean Sea Bass is between $20-30.
It’s expensive mainly because it’s found in a remote area (near Antarctica), far from the shore.
I ALWAYS opt for creamy mashed potatoes! A green veggie side dish such as broccoli or green beans, sautéed kale or spinach are perfect. A nice orzo salad or light pasta dish would also be excellent!
White wine is also a must if you’re a wine drinker as it complements the rich flavor of the fish.
OTHER SEAFOOD DISHES YOU’LL LOVE
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Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass (with herb butter sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Chilean Sea Bass, cut into 4 filets
- 1 tsp kosher salt or sea salt
- 3 tbsp butter, divided salted or unsalted
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp EACH: chives, parsley and basil, finely chopped See Note 1
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon (1 tsp zest + more for garnish and to squeeze over the top)
Instructions
- Pat fish dry with paper towels and season with salt. Pro tip (optional): Let the fish sit out of the fridge about 15 minutes and come to room temperature before cooking. This makes it easier to get the fish cooked all the way through, quickly!
- Over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter + 2 tsp olive oil in a large skillet (If you are new to cooking fish, I recommend a non stick skillet. If you are a seasoned pro, use your favorite pan!).
- To the hot pan, add fish, skin side down. Do not disturb fish for 3-4 minutes. This will ensure crispy skin (See Note 2).
- Flip fish and cook 2-4 minutes on the other side. Note that cooking times will vary depending on how thick and large your filets are. If your fish filets are thick like mine, you can also turn them to get the sides of the fish seared as well. The fish is done when it's opaque in the middle and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 135°F.
- When fish is done, transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In a small saucepan, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. When butter is melted, add garlic powder and herbs and cook 15-30 seconds, stirring to ensure butter doesn't burn. Turn off the heat and stir in lemon zest.
- Drizzle herb butter over fish, squeeze lemon juice over the top (if you like) and serve immediately! (It's great served over mashed potatoes!)
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is only an estimate. Info is based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator.
Terrassenüberdachung mit Montage says
Great website, thanks for the great recipes… I’ll use them again in the future 😉 THANK YOU !!! Greetings from Germany
Michelle says
My husband had the best sea bass when we were traveling, and now we can make it at home. This recipe turns out just like the one he remembers
TAYLER says
I made this sea bass for dinner last night and it was incredible! So full of flavor, it’s a favorite at our house!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Love how easy this recipe is. It’s perfect for our family!
Michelle Alston says
This was so delicious! I always struggle to cook fish but I followed the recipe to a tee and it cam out perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Suja md says
Delicious yet simple recipe that the whole family loved. Can’t wait to make it again!
Marissa Serritella says
Love this so much, came out great! I originally made it for only my husband a few weeks ago since I’m not normally a fish eater, but I tasted his and liked it so much that this has converted me! I’m making it again tonight for us both! 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
One question, just curious – why do you suggest using garlic powder versus real garlic? Is real garlic too overpowering for a delicate fish? Thanks!
Casey Rooney says
Right?! I think sea bass can turn ANY non-fish eater into a fish eater! LOL! You can absolutely use fresh garlic, however, I wanted this recipe to be quick and if you use fresh garlic in the butter sauce, you just have to cook it longer so it gets nice and soft. If you don’t let it cook enough, it will be too strong tasting in my opinion! But feel free to do whatever you like! Make it yours, girl! XO ~ Casey
spiceoflife says
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Tara says
Wow! So flavorful – zesty and savory. I can’t wait to make this for my anniversary. Yum.
Kushigalu says
Love how flavorful and delicious this recipe is. I would love to make this for dinner soon.
Mirlene says
This is an easy fish dinner to make for weeknight meals for my family! I have all the ingredients I needed.
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
Sea bass is definitely one of my top favorite fishes. This presentation is everything too!
Beth says
Quick, easy and so tasty! I love that this is ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for these busy nights!
Alison says
Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection!
Hayley Dhanecha says
I shared this recipe with my friend who loves sea food, her feedback was this..such an amazing recipe that is easy to pull off!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This looks so delicious and I love how you have used so many herbs. Can;t wait to make this.
Anjali says
I love how healthy and light this recipe was! It was the perfect easy weeknight dinner for our family!
Kristen says
I really struggle with cooking fish but this recipe came out PERFECTLY and my family loved it. Thanks for another great recipe! 🙂
Tayler Ross says
I love chilean sea bass but have been so intimidated to make it at home! This recipe was so easy to follow and a total winner!