This sea bass recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor. The fish is seared skin-side down until crispy, then finished in the oven with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. The result is a perfectly cooked fish with a delicious glaze that will impress your guests.
The inspiration for this recipe came to me on a trip to Italy. I was dining at a small trattoria in the countryside when I was served a sea bass dish that was so good, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The fish was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin and a tender, flaky interior. The glaze was made with balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, and it was the perfect complement to the fish. I knew that I had to recreate this dish at home, and after a few tries, I finally perfected it.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound sea bass fillets, skin-on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the sea bass fillets, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown.
Transfer the sea bass fillets to a baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Pour the balsamic glaze over the sea bass fillets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Why It Works
Searing the fish skin-side down creates a crispy skin that helps to keep the fish moist during cooking.
The balsamic glaze is made with honey and Dijon mustard, which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
Baking the fish in the oven finishes it off and ensures that it is cooked through.
Garnishing the fish with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.