Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

When it comes to preparing an elegant seafood dish that’s packed with flavor, Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach is in a league of its own. This restaurant-quality recipe combines the rich, buttery texture of Chilean sea bass with the creamy decadence of spinach, all tied together with a zesty Lemon Parmesan Sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or a romantic evening, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into crafting this masterpiece. From ensuring the perfect crust on your fish to achieving the ideal sauce consistency, we’ll cover every detail. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe that is optimized for flavor and presentation.

---

Why Choose Chilean Sea Bass?

Chilean sea bass is often considered the crown jewel of white fish. Its buttery texture, delicate flavor, and ability to absorb seasonings make it an excellent choice for this recipe. Unlike other fish, sea bass holds its form well during cooking, allowing you to achieve that golden crust while keeping the interior moist and flaky.

Key reasons to love Chilean sea bass:

• High in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Versatile and pairs beautifully with bold flavors like lemon and garlic.
• Easy to cook, making it ideal for home chefs.

---

The Magic of Lemon-Garlic and Spinach Pairing

The pairing of lemon and garlic is a classic in seafood dishes, as the bright citrus notes balance the richness of the fish. Adding creamed spinach to the mix introduces a layer of decadence that complements the lightness of the sea bass. Together, these flavors create a harmonious blend that’s impossible to resist.

---

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To create this dish, you’ll need three main components: the sea bass, the creamed spinach, and the Lemon Parmesan Sauce. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients:

For the Sea Bass:

• 1 lb Chilean sea bass fillet (skin-on, if possible)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Creole seasoning
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Creamed Spinach:

• 12 oz fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Lemon Parmesan Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preparing the Sea Bass

The key to a perfect sea bass is the crust. Follow these steps for a flawless result:

1. Dry the fish: Pat the sea bass fillets dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. This ensures a golden crust.
2. Season generously: Rub the fillets with sea salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning for a burst of flavor.

---

2. Searing the Sea Bass

To achieve that golden crust:

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt until bubbling.
2. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes. Avoid moving the fish to allow a crust to form.
3. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

---

3. Finishing in the Oven

For perfectly cooked fish:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should be flaky and tender.

---

4. Making the Creamed Spinach

While the fish cooks:

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

---

5. Preparing the Lemon Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is the star of this dish:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy whipping cream until smooth.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.
5. Zest and juice the lemon into the sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.

---

6. Plating the Dish

To assemble:

1. Place a generous portion of creamed spinach on each plate.
2. Top with the crusted sea bass fillet.
3. Drizzle with the warm Lemon Parmesan Sauce.

---

Tips for Success

Ensuring a Perfect Crust

• Dry your fish: Moisture prevents browning, so always pat your fillets dry.
• Use a hot skillet: A hot pan ensures even searing and prevents sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.

Creamy Spinach Perfection

• Use fresh spinach for the best texture.
• Avoid overcooking; the spinach should be wilted but not mushy.

Sauce Secrets

• For a smoother sauce, strain out any lumps before serving.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more lemon juice for extra tang.

---

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Chilean sea bass: High in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Spinach: Rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
• Lemon Parmesan Sauce: Adds a touch of indulgence while providing calcium and Vitamin C.

---

Variations and Substitutions

If you want to customize this recipe:

• Substitute salmon or cod for Chilean sea bass.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter creamed spinach.
• Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

---

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf.
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing lemonade for non-alcoholic options.
• Roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots for a complete meal.

---

Conclusion

Cooking Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll create a dish that is both elegant and achievable in your own kitchen. The combination of buttery sea bass, rich creamed spinach, and zesty Lemon Parmesan Sauce is nothing short of perfection.

Now it’s your turn to bring this recipe to life. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to wow your guests. Dive into the flavors and enjoy the compliments!

Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread.

Print