
Transform your dinner into an elegant restaurant experience with this buttery Chilean sea bass, finished in a delicate garlic wine sauce. This Ruth's Chris inspired recipe brings fine dining to your kitchen, creating a dish that melts in your mouth with each flaky, tender bite. The combination of premium fish and a luxurious butter sauce creates an unforgettable meal worthy of any special occasion.
After countless evenings perfecting this recipe in my kitchen, I've discovered that the simplicity of premium ingredients creates the most memorable meals. The way this fish just melts away with each bite makes every dinner feel like a celebration.
Premium Components
Chilean sea bass fillets deliver unmatched buttery texture and rich flavor
Fresh garlic and shallots create an aromatic foundation for the sauce
High-quality white wine adds complexity and brightness
Real butter transforms into a velvety, luxurious sauce

Fresh parsley brings color and herbal notes
Creating Excellence
Fish Preparation
Pat fillets completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Sauce Foundation
Sauté minced garlic and shallots until fragrant and tender.
Wine Integration
Add white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate flavors.

Butter Enhancement
Slowly incorporate butter pieces, creating a silky emulsion.
Fish Cooking
Sear the fish until golden, creating a perfect crust.
Final Assembly
Finish the fish in the sauce, basting continuously.
During my journey to perfect this dish, I discovered that patience with the sauce reduction makes all the difference. One evening, rushing through this step resulted in a thinner sauce that didn't quite cling to the fish. Now, I take my time, letting the flavors develop fully.
Perfect Plate Partners
Transform this elegant fish into a complete dining experience by serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the buttery sauce. Create balance with roasted asparagus or haricots verts, adding color and texture to the plate. For special occasions, arrange the fish over a bed of saffron risotto, letting the golden grains complement the pearly white flesh.
Flavorful Adaptations
Customize this dish to match your preferences or available ingredients. Create a Mediterranean version by adding capers and sundried tomatoes to the sauce. Transform it into a herb-lover's dream with fresh dill, thyme, and tarragon. For a lighter option, replace some butter with extra wine and lemon juice, maintaining the same luxurious feel.
Storage Success
Keep your leftover sea bass fresh by storing it properly. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. When reheating, use a low-temperature oven to maintain the fish's delicate texture. The sauce may separate slightly but gently warming while stirring will bring it back together.
Entertaining Elegance
This sea bass has become the star of countless dinner parties in my home. The dish creates an atmosphere of sophistication while being surprisingly simple to prepare. One memorable evening, this recipe turned a casual gathering into an impromptu celebration of life's simple luxuries.
Health Benefits
Discover the nutritional powerhouse hiding in this elegant dish. Sea bass provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health. The combination of good fats and lean protein creates a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.
Expert Guidelines
Allow fish to come to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution
Use a heavy-bottomed pan for consistent temperature control

Trust your instincts with cooking time, as thickness varies
This Chilean sea bass recipe has evolved from a restaurant inspiration to a cherished part of my cooking repertoire. It proves that with quality ingredients and careful attention, restaurant-worthy meals are achievable in any home kitchen. Remember, cooking is an expression of love, and this dish never fails to make every dinner feel special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Best wine to use?
- Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- → How to know fish is done?
- Flakes easily with fork and is opaque throughout.
- → Choose good fish?
- Look for firm, fresh-smelling fillets with no strong odor.
- → Pan too hot?
- Lower heat if butter browns too quickly.
- → Sauce too thin?
- Simmer longer to reduce and thicken.