Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass

Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass: A Culinary Delight

There’s something undeniably luxurious about a beautifully cooked piece of sea bass, especially when it’s coated in a crispy Parmesan crust. I remember the first time I prepared this dish; the aroma wafting through the kitchen drew my family in like moths to a flame. This Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass recipe is perfect for special occasions or a weekday treat that feels gourmet. You’ll find that it not only impresses with its vibrant presentation but also with its rich flavors and textures, making it a go-to for those seeking a restaurant-quality meal at home.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe stands out for several reasons—ease of preparation, incredible flavors, and a touch of elegance. The crunchy Parmesan-breadcrumb crust contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky fish beneath, while the lemon beurre blanc adds a bright finish that makes each bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself to a weeknight indulgence, this dish is effortlessly sophisticated yet uncomplicated.

"I served this at a family gathering and received rave reviews! The combination of flavors was amazing, and it didn’t take long to make." – A satisfied home cook

Preparing Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass

Ready to indulge in a sumptuous experience? This recipe is straightforward and broken down into easy-to-follow steps. You’ll be prepping, breading, and baking in no time!

Overview:

1. Prep your ingredients.
2. Create a flavorful breading station.
3. Sear and bake the sea bass until golden.
4. Whip up a luscious lemon beurre blanc.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delectable dish, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 sea bass fillets
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon (for beurre blanc)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Assorted roasted baby vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• Basil oil (for drizzling)
• Microgreens (for garnish)
• Parmesan tuile (for garnish)

Substitution Note: If you can’t find sea bass, other firm white fish like snapper or cod work just as well.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and combine Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs in a third.
4. Dredge each fillet in flour, dunk in the egg, and then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Prepare the lemon beurre blanc: In a saucepan, combine white wine and lemon juice over medium heat. Reduce by half.
9. Stir in heavy cream and whisk in butter until fully emulsified.
10. Serve the crispy sea bass alongside roasted baby vegetables, drizzle with lemon beurre blanc, and garnish with basil oil, microgreens, and a Parmesan tuile.

Best Way to Serve

For an impressive presentation, serve the sea bass on a warm plate alongside an array of colorful roasted baby vegetables. Drizzle the lemon beurre blanc artfully over the top, and finish with a swirl of basil oil and delicate microgreens. A bright lemon wedge on the side enhances the dish’s visual appeal while providing a fresh burst of flavor.

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass fresh. Store any uneaten fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring to retain its crispy texture—avoid the microwave to keep it from becoming soggy.

If you want to prepare it ahead of time, bread the fish and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. However, it’s best to cook and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pro Chef Tips

• Don’t Rush the Sear: A good sear is essential for flavor. Allow the fish to form a golden crust before flipping to maintain its integrity.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality Parmesan make a significant difference in flavor.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture to customize the crust to your taste preferences.

Flavor Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative twists you can explore:

1. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
2. Herb Infusion: Incorporate herbs like dill or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Citrus Twist: Mix grated lemon or orange zest into the breadcrumbs for a refreshing citrus note.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, making it a quick option for a weeknight dinner.

Can I substitute sea bass with another fish?
Absolutely! Cod, snapper, or halibut would all work beautifully in this recipe.

How do I ensure my fish stays crispy when reheating?
Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave, as that will help retain the crispiness of the crust.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prep the breaded fish in advance and store it in the fridge for an easy evening meal.

This Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass is a delightful way to elevate your dining experience, whether it’s for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. Enjoy the flavors, the crunch, and the compliments that come with serving such a stunning dish!

Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A luxurious dish featuring sea bass coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, perfect for special occasions or gourmet weeknight treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 sea bass fillets
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon (for beurre blanc)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Assorted roasted baby vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• Basil oil (for drizzling)
• Microgreens (for garnish)
• Parmesan tuile (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and combine Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs in a third.
4. Dredge each fillet in flour, dunk in the egg, and then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Prepare the lemon beurre blanc: In a saucepan, combine white wine and lemon juice over medium heat. Reduce by half.
9. Stir in heavy cream and whisk in butter until fully emulsified.
10. Serve the crispy sea bass alongside roasted baby vegetables, drizzle with lemon beurre blanc, and garnish with basil oil, microgreens, and a Parmesan tuile.

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and consider experimenting with flavors by adding herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Gourmet

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Parmesan fish, gourmet sea bass, baking fish, crispy fish recipe, seafood dish