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Lemon Caper Butter Chilean Sea Bass Recipe

Lemon Caper Butter Chilean Sea Bass Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Luxurious Chilean sea bass shines with zesty lemon and briny capers, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Delicate fish meets rich butter sauce, promising an elegant dining experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 2 6 ounces (170 grams) Chilean sea bass filets

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) capers
  • 1 large shallot (finely minced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs seasoning mix

Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter (for pan frying fish)
  • 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Diced parsley or microgreens (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large nonstick skillet to medium-high heat, preparing for a perfectly seared sea bass.
  2. Introduce 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and create a light, foamy surface.
  3. Carefully place the sea bass in the pan, positioning the fat side downward into the butter.
  4. Sear for approximately 6 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops on the first side.
  5. Gently flip the fish, cooking the skin side until crispy and evenly golden, ensuring the fish flakes easily when touched.
  6. Transfer the cooked sea bass to a plate, removing the initial butter from the pan.
  7. Return the skillet to medium-high heat, creating a fresh cooking surface.
  8. Melt an additional 3 tablespoons of butter, then introduce finely chopped shallots and minced garlic.
  9. Sauté the aromatics for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until they become soft, fragrant, and lightly caramelized.
  10. Incorporate fresh lemon juice, cracked pepper, salt, chopped herbs, and briny capers into the butter sauce.
  11. Allow the sauce to reduce and slightly thicken for about 1 minute, concentrating its flavors.
  12. Artfully drizzle the sauce over the sea bass, garnishing with fresh parsley or delicate microgreens.
  13. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its peak temperature and flavor.

Notes

  • Select fresh, high-quality Chilean sea bass with firm, translucent flesh and a clean ocean smell for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use clarified butter or ghee for a higher smoke point, preventing butter from burning during high-heat searing and creating a more even golden-brown crust.
  • Pat the fish dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and preventing steaming instead of searing.
  • Choose small capers packed in salt for a more intense, briny flavor that complements the delicate fish and adds a bright, tangy element to the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 468 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg