Grilled sea bass plated with mashed potatoes, herb butter, microgreens, and charred lemon

Experience restaurant-worthy seafood at home with this Grilled Sea Bass with Herb Butter, a dish that balances crispy-skinned fish, rich buttery flavors, and elegant plating. The flaky, tender sea bass is seared to perfection, then drizzled with a fragrant herb butter sauce, enhancing its delicate taste. Served over creamy mashed potatoes and garnished with microgreens and radish slices, this dish is as stunning as it is delicious.

Let’s walk through the step-by-step process to achieve a fine dining presentation, perfect for impressing guests or elevating your home cooking.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these fresh, high-quality ingredients to achieve the best flavors and textures.

For the Sea Bass:

  • 1 fillet of sea bass, skin-on
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Herb Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the Garnishes & Plating:

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 lemon, halved and charred
  • Microgreens
  • Thinly sliced radishes


Shop the Essentials for This Recipe

Achieve perfect grilling and plating with these chef-recommended tools:

  • Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Skillet: Ideal for crisping sea bass skin. Shop Here
  • Fish Spatula: Flip delicate fillets without breaking them. Shop Here
  • Porcelain Serving Plate: Elevate your presentation with a fine dining aesthetic. Shop Here


Step 1: Prepare the Sea Bass

For crispy skin and a flavorful interior, the sea bass must be prepared correctly.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Sea bass fillet, salt, pepper

Method:

  1. Pat Dry the Sea Bass: Use a paper towel to remove moisture from the skin. Dry skin ensures a crisp, golden crust during cooking.
  2. Score the Skin (Optional): Lightly score the skin with a sharp knife to prevent curling.
  3. Season Generously: Sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

💡 Pro Tip: Allow the sea bass to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.


Step 2: Grill the Fish

A well-seared sea bass fillet is golden, crisp, and flaky inside.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Olive oil, sea bass fillet

Method:

  1. Heat a Grill Pan or Skillet: Over medium-high heat, brush with olive oil until shimmering.
  2. Sear the Skin First: Place the sea bass skin-side down and press lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  3. Flip and Cook: Turn the fillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid flipping the fish too early—let the skin crisp fully before turning for a perfect crust.


Step 3: Prepare the Herb Butter Sauce

This garlic-infused herb butter enhances the natural flavor of the sea bass.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Butter, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon juice

Method:

  1. Melt Butter Over Low Heat: In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter.
  2. Infuse the Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add Herbs and Lemon: Stir in parsley, dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the heat low when adding butter to prevent it from separating.


Step 4: Assemble the Plate

A beautifully plated dish transforms this meal into a fine dining experience.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Mashed potatoes, grilled sea bass, herb butter sauce, microgreens, radishes, charred lemon

Method:

  1. Create the Base: Spread a layer of mashed potatoes onto a white porcelain plate for contrast.
  2. Place the Sea Bass: Position the crispy-skinned fillet on top of the mashed potatoes.
  3. Drizzle the Herb Butter: Using a spoon, pour the warm herb butter sauce over the fish.
  4. Add Garnishes:
    • Scatter microgreens and thinly sliced radishes for color and texture.
    • Place a charred lemon wedge on the side for a touch of smokiness and acidity.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a squeeze bottle for controlled sauce drizzling, ensuring a professional finish.


Why You’ll Love This Dish

✨ Crispy & Tender – The perfect balance of crisp skin and delicate, flaky fish.
✨ Rich & Aromatic – The garlic herb butter infuses warmth and freshness.
✨ Fine Dining Aesthetic – Beautiful plating transforms this dish into a visual masterpiece.


Pairing Suggestions

Pair Grilled Sea Bass with Herb Butter with:

🍷 Sauvignon Blanc – Its crisp acidity enhances the buttery richness of the sauce.
🍷 Chardonnay – A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the delicate flavors of the fish.
🥂 Champagne or Sparkling Wine – The bubbles cut through the buttery sauce beautifully.

For a non-alcoholic pairing, try sparkling cucumber-mint water for a refreshing contrast.


Share Your Creation with #BeyondEveryBite

We’d love to see your take on Grilled Sea Bass with Herb Butter! Share your beautifully plated dish on Pinterest or social media using #BeyondEveryBite, and you could be featured in our next article.


Shop the Essentials for This Recipe

  • Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Skillet: Achieve the perfect sear. Shop Here
  • Fish Spatula: Flip delicate fillets with precision. Shop Here
  • Porcelain Serving Plate: Elevate your plating with a fine dining touch. Shop Here


Final Thoughts

Grilled Sea Bass with Herb Butter is a dish that exudes elegance, simplicity, and gourmet quality. Whether served for a special occasion, dinner party, or weeknight indulgence, it brings the flavors of a high-end seafood restaurant to your home kitchen.

✨ Plate with care, pair with your favorite wine, and enjoy a meal that’s both refined and effortless.

Bon appétit! 🍽️✨