Crispy Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon-Herb Butter
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Prep time: 10 mins
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Cook time: 10 mins
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Servings: 2
Ingredients
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2 sea bass fillets (6 oz each, skin-on)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prep the fish: Pat the sea bass fillets completely dry with paper towels. Score the skin gently with a sharp knife (2–3 shallow slashes) to prevent curling. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Heat the pan: Heat olive oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Sear skin-side down: Place fillets in the pan skin-side down, pressing lightly with a spatula for 10 seconds to ensure full skin contact. Cook untouched for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
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Flip: Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Transfer fillets to a serving plate.
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Make the sauce: Turn heat to low. Melt butter in the same pan, adding minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley.
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Serve: Spoon the warm lemon-herb butter over the plated sea bass and serve immediately.
