Description
This lemon-garlic sea bass recipe is a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It features vibrant flavors and creamy spinach, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a romantic dinner at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 sea bass fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets, add butter, garlic, and lemon juice to the pan, and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add spinach in batches, allowing each to wilt before adding more. Pour in heavy cream, stir in nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the cream thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Plate the creamed spinach, placing a sea bass fillet on top. Drizzle with any remaining pan sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- If the fish is sticking to the pan, allow it to cook a little longer before attempting to flip. It should release naturally when ready.
Notes
To achieve perfectly crispy skin, ensure the pan is hot before adding the fish. Avoid overcrowding the pan so each fillet cooks evenly. If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with creamed spinach
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: sea bass, lemon-garlic, gourmet dinner, seafood, creamed spinach