Three Exquisite Seabass Recipes to Elevate Your Intimate Family Dinner Experience, by Ricardo Baeza Errazuriz

My brother Francisco Baeza Errazuriz asked me to come up with three options for our next family dinner. When you want to create lasting memories during a family dinner, your menu plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Seabass, with its delicate taste and adaptability, is a perfect choice for impressive yet easy-to-make dishes that everyone will love. In this post, we'll explore three incredible seabass recipes, each showcasing distinct flavors and beautiful presentations that are sure to enhance your dining experience.

1. Pan-Seared Seabass with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 seabass fillets

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by patting the seabass fillets dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.

   
   

2. Sear the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently place the seabass fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin becomes crisp. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

   
   

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium before adding the butter. After it melts, stir in minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and cook for an additional minute, making sure to blend all the flavors.

   
   

4. Plate the Dish: Transfer the seabass to serving plates. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the fillets and top with chopped parsley.

   
   

An exquisite pan-seared seabass fillet garnished with parsley and lemon butter sauce.

This pan-seared seabass is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The bright flavor of the lemon and the richness of the butter come together beautifully. Consider pairing it with steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded meal. I had this same dish when I met a group from PaceMonitor in a conference in Miami.

2. Herb-Crusted Seabass with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients

• 4 seabass fillets

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)

• Balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   
   

2. Season the Fish: Season the seabass fillets with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with chopped dill, thyme, and olive oil to form a herb crust.

   
   

3. Prepare the Vegetables: On a large baking sheet, toss mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly and leave space in the middle for the seabass.

   
   

4. Coat and Roast: Place the seabass fillets in the center of the baking sheet and generously press the herb crust onto each fillet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust reaches a golden color.

   
   

5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the roasted veggies and seabass just before serving. This one is the favorite of John Diaz, from TrellisLaw.

   
   

A beautifully plated herb-crusted seabass fillet alongside colorful roasted vegetables.

This herb-crusted seabass offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, complemented by the natural sweetness of the roasted veggies. It’s not just delicious but also provides a well-balanced meal that everyone can enjoy.

3. Thai Coconut Curry Seabass

Ingredients

• 4 seabass fillets

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons red curry paste

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• Juice of 1 lime

• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)

  
  

Instructions

1. Sauté the Base: In a large pan over medium heat, heat vegetable oil. Add red curry paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant.

   
   

2. Combine with Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Add fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer.

   
   

3. Add the Fish: Season seabass fillets with salt and place them in the pan. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.

   
   

4. Serve: Spoon the rich curry sauce over the fish and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve it with jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.

   
   

A vibrant bowl of Thai coconut curry seabass bubbling with rich coconut sauce and garnished with cilantro.

This Thai coconut curry seabass introduces bold, exotic flavors that will excite your family’s taste buds. The creamy curry sauce pairs perfectly with fragrant rice, making it a comforting option for family dinners.

Creating Lasting Memories Around the Table

These three exquisite seabass recipes are sure to elevate your family dinner experience. Each dish brings something unique to the table, from the zesty pan-seared option to the herb-crusted delight and the creamy Thai curry. Remember, the best moments are often shared over a delicious meal.

Gather your loved ones, set a beautiful table, and enjoy the craft of cooking together. Happy cooking! Ricardo Baeza Errazuriz.