Ingredients

  • Sea Bass: 1 (about 600g, scaled and gutted)
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Unsalted Butter: 30g
  • Garlic: 2 cloves (sliced)
  • Lemon: Half (juiced)
  • Fresh Thyme: 2-3 sprigs
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper Powder: To taste
  • White Wine: 50ml (optional)

Tools

  • Frying Pan
  • Fish Spatula
  • Brush
  • Kitchen Paper Towels

Steps

  1. Prepare Sea Bass
  • Pat dry both inside and outside of sea bass with kitchen paper towels for crispier skin during searing.
  • Make gentle diagonal cuts on both sides to let seasoning penetrate better.
  • Season evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides as well as inside.
  1. Heat Frying Pan
  • Add olive oil to frying pan; heat over medium flame.
  • Once hot, melt half of butter in it for enhanced aroma during cooking.
  1. Sear Fish
  • Place sea bass in pan; cook one side on medium heat for about 4–5 minutes until golden brown & crispy.
  • Flip carefully using fish spatula; repeat process for other side until equally crispy & golden brown.
  • In last few minutes add remaining butter along with garlic slices & thyme; baste gently over fish allowing flavors to infuse fully.
  1. Make Sauce
  • Optionally pour white wine into pan while cooking; simmer till alcohol evaporates creating simple sauce base.
  • Just before serving squeeze fresh lemon juice over fish adding zesty freshness.
  1. Plate & Garnish
  • Transfer cooked sea bass onto serving plate; pair with roasted veggies or sautéed spinach if desired.
  • Drizzle prepared sauce from pan over top; garnish using lemon slices or fresh herbs enhancing visual appeal.

Tips

  • Ensure thorough drying of fish skin pre-searing for ultimate crispiness.
  • Maintain moderate heat avoiding overcooking/burning delicate flesh inside.
  • Incorporate butter boosting overall flavor profile significantly.

Troubleshooting

  • If skin isn’t crispy enough check if it was dried properly beforehand or if oil wasn’t hot enough initially—correct these steps as needed next time around!
  • For overly dry meat reduce cooking duration slightly & keep consistent moderate temperature throughout process ensuring juicier results overall!