Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

Pan-seared sea bass with garlic butter sauce. Takes 20 minutes. Serves 4. Restaurant-quality results.
Clare Greco
Updated on Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:45:10 GMT
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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

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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.

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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

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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.

Restaurant-Style Sea Bass

Pan-seared Chilean sea bass in a white wine garlic butter sauce. Simple but elegant restaurant-style preparation.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 fillets)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 Chilean sea bass fillets (6 ounces each)
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper

→ Sauce Ingredients

04 1 tablespoon minced garlic
05 1 tablespoon minced shallots
06 1/4 cup dry white wine
07 1/4 cup chicken broth
08 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Pat fillets dry with paper towels and season well with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Pan sear fish in 2 tablespoons butter for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove from pan.

Step 03

Sauté garlic and shallots in remaining butter. Add wine and broth, cook 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Add lemon juice and parsley. Return fish to pan and spoon sauce over fillets.

Notes

  1. Choose firm, fresh-smelling fish
  2. Pat fish completely dry before cooking
  3. Melt butter slowly to prevent burning

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains fish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~