Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach
Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach is the ultimate dish that beautifully marries vibrant flavors with elegant presentation. Imagine juicy, flaky sea bass seared to perfection, drizzled with a creamy lemon-garlic sauce, and paired with buttery, garlicky creamed spinach. Not only is this recipe a feast for the senses, but it also promises to elevate your weekday dinners into special occasions. It’s worth making because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, comforting, and is bound to impress your family and friends alike. Ready to set your taste buds tingling? Let’s delve into this delightful recipe with a step-by-step approach!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s straight-forward—perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. The quick cooking time means you can have this gourmet meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients, each element shines through, creating a dish that is both delightful and indulgent. Additionally, this dish works wonderfully for special occasions, making you look like a master chef without the extensive hassle. It’s a meal that encapsulates comfort with a touch of sophistication, ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb Chilean sea bass fillet (skin-on if possible) – The star of our recipe, this tender and flaky fish is packed with flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter – Golden, rich, and essential for that delightful sear.
- 1 tsp sea salt – A key seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Adds a cozy warmth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning – For a hint of spice and allure.
- 12 oz fresh spinach leaves – Tender, vibrant, and full of nutrients!
- 1 tbsp butter – To keep our creamed spinach buttery and rich.
- 2 tsp minced garlic – Aromatic and savory, a wonderful complement to the fish.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream – For that luxurious, creamy texture.
- 1/4 tsp sea salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper – Additional seasoning for the sauce.
- 3 tbsp butter – The base for our tasty sauce.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – To thicken our luscious sauce.
- 3 tsp minced garlic – The more garlic, the better, right?
- 1/4 cup chicken broth – For depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream – A generous addition for creaminess.
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese – Rich, nutty, and oh-so-delicious!
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Extra garlicky goodness for flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Adds an aromatic touch to the sauce.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon – Bright, fresh citrus to elevate the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Sear the Sea Bass
First things first, it’s time to get that sea bass sizzling! Start by drying the fillets thoroughly with paper towels to ensure that gorgeous sear. Rub both sides with a generous coating of salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning for a flavor boost. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it’s frothy. Place the fish skin-side down, and cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting that divine aroma fill your kitchen.
2. Bake the Fish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the fillets are seared, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork. This ensures that the inside remains moist while the outside has that perfect golden crust.
3. Make the Creamed Spinach
While the fish is baking, let’s get to work on the creamed spinach. In a separate pan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, which should take 2–3 minutes. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, followed by salt and pepper. Simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Cook the Lemon Parmesan Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt another 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it turns slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and stir so it doesn’t burn. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for that extra boost of flavor. Finally, add the lemon zest and juice, simmering on low for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Assemble and Serve
Now, the best part—assembly! On your serving plates, spoon the creamy spinach generously to create a lush bed for the fish. Place the perfectly cooked sea bass fillets on top, and then liberally drizzle the lemon Parmesan sauce over each fillet. The golden sauce cascading down the fish and spinach creates a gorgeous plate. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful experience of every bite!
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the fish; this will give you that beautiful sear.
- For a crispy skin, don’t rush the cooking process. Allow the skin to release naturally from the pan.
- When making the creamed spinach, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you’re looking for a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Make it your own by adding other veggies like mushrooms or artichokes to the creamed spinach for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal. It’s perfect for elegant dinners, celebrations or even weekend family gatherings. For an impressive touch, pair it with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the lemony flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves four and offers a delightful balance of nutrients. Each serving of Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach contains approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
Essentially, this dish brings healthy fats from the fish and butter, combined with nutrient-rich spinach, making it a wholesome option for a fulfilling meal!
Storing Tips & Variations
If you happen to have leftovers, allow the dish to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, being careful not to overcook the fish. You can also freeze the components separately; the creamed spinach and the fish can both be frozen for up to three months.
Variations to consider could include swapping out the Chilean sea bass for salmon or halibut if you prefer. You could also make the creamed spinach lighter by incorporating Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, keeping the dish fresh without sacrificing taste.
Conclusion
Give the Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach a try, and elevate your dining experience with this stunning dish. With its savory flavors and creamy textures, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to share your experiences, adaptations, and any delightful twists you added. Happy cooking!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen sea bass?
Yes! While fresh is always best, you can use frozen sea bass. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking as directed to achieve optimal results.
2. Is there a low-carb alternative for this dish?
Absolutely! To make it a low-carb dish, you can skip the flour in the sauce and use cauliflower instead of potatoes or rice as a side.
3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can replace the butter and heavy cream with plant-based versions, like olive oil and coconut cream, while still achieving a rich flavor.
4. Can I add different vegetables to the creamed spinach?
Definitely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, chopped artichokes, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the creamed spinach for added flavor and texture.
5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool the dish to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so slowly to prevent the fish from drying out!
Luscious Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
For the Sea Bass
- 1 lb Chilean sea bass fillet (skin-on if possible) The star of our recipe, this tender and flaky fish is packed with flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter Essential for that delightful sear.
- 1 tsp sea salt Enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
- 1 tsp black pepper Adds warmth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning For a hint of spice.
For the Creamed Spinach
- 12 oz fresh spinach leaves Tender, vibrant, and full of nutrients!
- 1 tbsp butter To keep the creamed spinach buttery and rich.
- 2 tsp minced garlic A wonderful complement to the fish.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream For a luxurious, creamy texture.
- 1/4 tsp sea salt Additional seasoning.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper Additional seasoning.
For the Lemon Parmesan Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter Base for our tasty sauce.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour To thicken our luscious sauce.
- 3 tsp minced garlic Extra garlicky goodness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth For depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Generous addition for creaminess.
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese Rich and nutty.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder For flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Adds an aromatic touch.
- 1 qty lemon (zest and juice) Bright, fresh citrus to elevate the dish.
Instructions
Sear the Sea Bass
- Dry the fillets thoroughly with paper towels. Rub both sides with salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning.
- In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until frothy, then place the fish skin-side down, cooking for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Bake the Fish
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Creamed Spinach
- In a separate pan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted for 2–3 minutes. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, followed by salt and pepper. Simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cook the Lemon Parmesan Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden. Add minced garlic and stir.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream until smooth. Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, then add lemon zest and juice. Simmer on low for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Assemble and Serve
- On your serving plates, spoon the creamy spinach to create a bed for the fish. Place sea bass fillets on top and drizzle lemon Parmesan sauce over each fillet. Serve immediately.