This Baked Chilean Sea Bass is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. The delicate fish fillets bake to perfection, with a golden, crispy edge while maintaining a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The light lemon and herb drizzle adds a burst of freshness, making each bite feel like a celebration.
Perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish is elegant yet easy to prepare. Paired with a light salad or some roasted vegetables, it’s the ideal balance of healthy and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this recipe brings gourmet dining to your table with minimal effort.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 Chilean sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
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1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges for serving
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pat the Chilean sea bass fillets dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and black pepper.
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In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, and rosemary.
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Place the fillets in a baking dish and drizzle the olive oil mixture over the top of the fish, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What is Chilean Sea Bass?
Chilean Sea Bass is not actually a bass but a type of Patagonian Toothfish, found in the cold waters around South America and Antarctica. Its high fat content gives it a rich and luxurious taste, with a texture that is smooth and buttery. This makes it a prized catch for many seafood aficionados. While the term “sea bass” refers to a large family of white fish, including black sea bass and striped bass, Chilean Sea Bass is unique because of its firm, flaky meat that melts in your mouth when cooked properly.
Due to its mild flavor, Chilean Sea Bass is a perfect option for people who are sensitive to strong fishy tastes. It can be seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon or paired with a more complex sauce or pesto. In fact, its versatility in the kitchen makes it an excellent choice for many recipes, from grilling to pan-searing to baking.
The Appeal of Baked Chilean Sea Bass
Baking Chilean Sea Bass is one of the easiest and most rewarding methods of cooking this fish. The high heat of the oven cooks the fish quickly while keeping it moist and tender. The fish flakes easily with a fork when done correctly, and you can immediately enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth seafood experience.
In this baked version, the Chilean Sea Bass is paired with a simple homemade basil pesto, which adds a fresh, aromatic element to the dish. The basil pesto, made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, is the perfect complement to the rich fish. A quick squeeze of lemon adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the flavors, while a sprinkling of red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper) adds a subtle hint of spice, making this recipe the perfect combination of fresh, herbaceous, and savory flavors.
Sustainability and Sourcing the Best Fish
As with any seafood dish, it’s important to source your fish sustainably. Chilean Sea Bass is a highly sought-after fish, and overfishing has been a concern. However, there are sustainable options available. Look for Chilean Sea Bass that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which ensures that the fish has been caught in a way that does not harm the ecosystem. If sustainable Chilean Sea Bass is unavailable, you can substitute it with other types of white fish, such as halibut, haddock, or cod, which will work just as well in this recipe.
When purchasing any white fish, make sure it has a firm texture, a clean, fresh smell, and a translucent appearance. Avoid fish with a strong “fishy” odor, as this is often a sign that it is not fresh. Frozen fish is often just as fresh as what you find in the fish counter, as long as it has been flash-frozen immediately after being caught, preserving its quality.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chilean Sea Bass
To achieve the perfect baked Chilean Sea Bass, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, don’t overcook the fish! It’s easy to do, but sea bass cooks quickly, and overcooking can result in dry, tough fish. The key is to bake the fish until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can check for doneness by gently pulling the fish apart with a fork – if it flakes easily, it’s ready.
Also, be sure to prepare your sides in advance, as the baking time for the fish is only about 12-15 minutes. This ensures that everything is ready at the same time, making for a seamless and stress-free meal.
Lastly, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in the outcome of this dish. From the pesto to the lemon, the basil and garlic, every component should be of the highest quality. For an added touch, try grilling the lemons to enhance their flavor, which will give the fish a deeper, smokier profile when squeezed over the finished dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Chilean Sea Bass pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile meal. One option is to serve it with a light, Mediterranean-inspired salad, such as a Greek salad or Shirazi salad. These fresh salads complement the richness of the fish, providing a crisp contrast. If you prefer something heartier, try serving the fish with lemon rice, couscous, or a quinoa salad. These grains absorb the flavors of the fish and pesto and provide a perfect base for the dish.
For vegetables, you can’t go wrong with sautéed asparagus, grilled vegetable skewers, or roasted cauliflower. These vegetable sides are easy to prepare and work well with the Mediterranean flavors in the fish. Their natural sweetness balances the richness of the Chilean Sea Bass, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
How to Store Leftover Fish
While fresh, baked Chilean Sea Bass is best enjoyed right out of the oven, leftovers can be stored for later. If you have any leftover fish, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture of the fish may change slightly, but it can still be used in a salad, over pasta, or as part of another meal. Avoid reheating the fish in a microwave, as this can dry it out. If you need to reheat it, do so gently on the stovetop or in a medium-heated oven.
Conclusion
Baked Chilean Sea Bass is an incredibly simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich, buttery texture and delicate flavor, it pairs wonderfully with the fresh, vibrant taste of basil pesto and a squeeze of lemon. Whether you’re a seasoned fish lover or new to seafood, this recipe is sure to impress. By using sustainable fish, fresh ingredients, and following the tips provided, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also good for the planet. Whether you serve it with a fresh salad, couscous, or roasted vegetables, this dish is a guaranteed hit at your table.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful fish recipe, this Baked Chilean Sea Bass with Basil Pesto is a must-try. It’s easy to prepare, and the combination of flavors will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.