Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach brings together a magnificent dance of flavors that invigorates your senses and captivates your palate. This splendid dish features perfectly seared Chilean sea bass, nestled atop a bed of velvety creamed spinach, all drizzled with a luscious lemon Parmesan sauce. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant garlic melds beautifully with the delicate texture of the fish, making this recipe not only a feast for the eyes but also for the soul.

Why is it worth making, you ask? The answer lies in the ease of preparation, the tantalizing results, and the joy it brings to family and guests alike. With a step-by-step guide, anyone can master this restaurant-quality dish at home. Make it tonight to experience the delightful flavors of the sea paired with the richness of greens!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach is loved for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its easy prep makes it perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes, making it both quick and satisfying. The minimal ingredient list ensures that you won’t spend hours in the grocery store or the kitchen.

Additionally, its impressive presentation will surely wow your family or guests, making it seem like you spent hours preparing. Whether you’re entertaining or simply cooking for yourself, this dish brings a touch of elegance to your table that’s sure to delight. It’s a great way to incorporate nutritious ingredients without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

To create this delicious treat, gather the following ingredients, with each selected for its rich flavor and contribution to the dish:

• 2 tablespoons butter (for the sea bass)
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 pound Chilean sea bass fillet (skin-on preferred)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the creamed spinach:

• 1 tablespoon butter (for creamed spinach)
• 12 ounces fresh spinach leaves
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (for creamed spinach)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for creamed spinach)
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (for creamed spinach)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for creamed spinach)

For the lemon Parmesan sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter (for lemon Parmesan sauce)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic (for lemon Parmesan sauce)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for lemon Parmesan sauce)
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for lemon Parmesan sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for lemon Parmesan sauce)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sear the Sea Bass

Start by patting the Chilean sea bass fillet dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with sea salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning, ensuring that all flavors are absorbed. In a hot, non-stick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, lay the fish skin-side down in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown. Carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the other side to develop flavor.

2. Bake the Fish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the fish is seared, transfer the skillet directly into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the sea bass flakes easily with a fork. The baking process helps retain moisture while ensuring that your fish is perfectly cooked throughout.

3. Make the Creamed Spinach

For the creamed spinach, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in another pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant. Next, toss in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring continuously until they’re wilted, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Once wilted, pour in the heavy whipping cream, season with sea salt and black pepper, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This creamy concoction complements the sea bass beautifully.

4. Cook the Lemon Parmesan Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Finally, mix in the lemon zest and juice, allowing it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened and creamy.

5. Assemble and Serve

To serve, spoon the luscious creamed spinach onto the plates first. Then, place the herbaceous, buttery sea bass fillets right on top of the spinach. Drizzle generously with the lemon Parmesan sauce, and watch as your dish transforms into a culinary masterpiece. This vibrant, flavorful meal is perfect for any occasion.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some chef’s secrets and tips to elevate your Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach to the next level:

1. For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the sea bass in lemon juice and garlic for 20 minutes before cooking.
2. Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach can work too—just make sure to drain it well.
3. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the creamed spinach for a slight kick.
4. If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider substituting half the heavy cream with milk or a milk alternative.
5. Ensure your skillet is hot before searing the fish to prevent it from sticking.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To create a complete meal with your Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass and Creamed Spinach, consider pairing it with a side of fluffy white rice or a quinoa salad to soak up the extra sauce. For an elegant touch, serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A slice of fresh lemon for garnish not only looks beautiful but amplifies the dish’s citrusy profile.

Nutritional Information

This dish serves about four people. With high-quality protein from the sea bass and a generous amount of nutrient-rich spinach, it’s truly a balanced meal. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Remember that indulgence can be good too—enjoy the flavors and the healthy fats from the fish and cream as part of a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations for Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is simple! Place the sea bass and creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the fish.

For variations, consider swapping the sea bass with another firm white fish like cod or halibut. You can also turn this into a pasta dish by tossing the lemon Parmesan sauce with fettuccine along with the creamed spinach for a delicious twist.

Conclusion for Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

Don’t wait any longer! Treat yourself and your loved ones to the delightful experience of Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach. This recipe promises an explosion of flavor and stunning presentation with minimal fuss. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, your culinary adventure begins now!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen sea bass for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. What can I serve with this sea bass dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

3. Can I make the creamed spinach ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the creamed spinach in advance and reheat it gently before serving.

4. How do I know when the sea bass is cooked through?

The fish should be opaque all the way through and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream in this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute, but it may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.

Print Recipe

Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

A magnificent dish featuring perfectly seared Chilean sea bass atop a bed of velvety creamed spinach, drizzled with a luscious lemon Parmesan sauce.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Keyword: Chilean Sea Bass, Creamed Spinach, Elegant Meal, Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass, Quick Dinner

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 560kcal

Ingredients

For the Sea Bass

• 2 tablespoons butter For the sea bass
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 pound Chilean sea bass fillet (skin-on preferred)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamed Spinach

• 1 tablespoon butter For creamed spinach
• 12 ounces fresh spinach leaves
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic For creamed spinach
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt For creamed spinach
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream For creamed spinach
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For creamed spinach

For the Lemon Parmesan Sauce

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

Instructions

Sear the Sea Bass

• Start by patting the Chilean sea bass fillet dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with sea salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning.
• In a hot, non-stick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once sizzling, lay the fish skin-side down in the pan.
• Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown. Carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Bake the Fish

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet directly into the oven.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the sea bass flakes easily with a fork.

Make the Creamed Spinach

• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in another pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
• Toss in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring continuously until they’re wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
• Pour in the heavy whipping cream, season with sea salt and black pepper, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

Cook the Lemon Parmesan Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
• Stir in the minced garlic, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix in the lemon zest and juice, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Assemble and Serve

• Spoon the creamed spinach onto plates first. Place the sea bass fillets on top and drizzle generously with sauce.

Notes

Consider marinating the sea bass in lemon juice and garlic for 20 minutes before cooking for extra flavor. Use fresh spinach for best results.