How To Cook Sea Bass at Home for Moist, Tasty Results

Sea bass isn’t just for the professionals, so learn how to prepare this tasty fish at home. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-level results.

How to cook sea bass

Sea bass is quick and easy to cook, with dinner being ready in just a few minutes. A fillet makes a great single-person meal, or you can scale up and make a dish for the whole family. The fastest way to cook it is by frying. Here’s what to do:

• Heat a little oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper.
• Add the sea bass to the pan, skin-side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Turn the fillets and continue cooking for a further 2 to 3 minutes until the flesh is opaque.

How to cook sea bass on the grill

Grilled sea bass is a good choice as it needs less fat than fried sea bass. Here’s how to cook sea bass on the grill:

• Preheat the grill. Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper and brush with a small amount of oil.
• Cook fillets under the grill, skin-side up, for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Turn the fillets, brush again with oil, and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through.

How to cook sea bass in the air fryer

An air fryer is a great alternative to an oven. It’s great for fast fish recipes, as it cooks quickly and doesn’t give off strong smells. To cook sea bass fillets in the air fryer, set it to 190°C. It will take around 6 minutes to cook the fillets.

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How to cook sea bass fillets in the oven UK

The oven is the ideal choice if you want to roast a whole sea bass — a spectacular choice for a special dinner. Preheat the oven to 200°C before getting started. Season the whole sea bass, place it in a roasting tray, and cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when you touch it with a fork.

About black sea bass

There are different species of sea bass. In the UK, you’re most likely to come across European sea bass, but black sea bass is an interesting variant native to North America. It’s a little less oily, and the flesh is slightly firmer than other kinds of sea bass. The differences are small, though, so only true fish connoisseurs can tell them apart.

Tips on how to cook whole sea bass

Before you put a whole sea bass into the oven, try laying it on a sheet of baking paper or foil. You can add favourite flavourings, such as lemon, garlic, sliced black olives and parsley for a Mediterranean feast. Wrap the foil or baking paper up into a parcel. This is a great way to keep the fish moist and packed with flavour.

Alternatively, cook a whole sea bass on the barbecue. This meaty fish goes well with the smoky flavour of a barbecue.

Best sea bass recipes

Sea bass is one of the most versatile fish, and it can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Classic European flavours are lemon and parsley, while East Asian cuisine often sees it paired with garlic, fresh ginger and soy sauce. Add some chilli for a bit of a kick. Serve with steamed rice and a simple side dish of pak choi, and drizzle with sesame oil for a more powerful flavour.

We’ve also found some fresh, unusual twists on sea bass. This creamy sea bass tikka masala recipe takes the UK’s favourite curry sauce and serves it in a brand new way. For a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired meal, go for sea bass in creamy chorizo sauce, which is sure to bring a bit of sunshine to the table.

FAQs

What’s the best way to cook sea bass?

Sea bass is a versatile fish. You can fry, roast, or grill it. It’s also one of the best fish to cook on the barbecue in the summer months.

Do you cook sea bass skin down first?

Yes. Cooking sea bass with the skin down makes it easier to flip and ensures that the fillet stays together in one piece.

Is seabass good for frying?

Yes, definitely! Fried sea bass is one of the most popular ways to serve this fish. It’s also very quick, often ready in just 4 to 6 minutes.

What do you soak bass in before cooking?

It’s not necessary to soak sea bass before cooking. In fact, soaking can damage the fish’s texture and flavour. You might want to try marinating it, but there’s no need to soak it in water or brine.

Should you rinse sea bass before cooking?

No, there’s no need to rinse sea bass before cooking — unless you’re the one who has caught it. If you’ve bought it from a shop, then it should already be clean.