Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Crispy Bacon and Lemon-Butter Sauce
Sea Bass and Bacon: A Flavorful Fusion
Sea bass, known for its delicate flavor and flaky texture, pairs surprisingly well with the smoky, salty goodness of bacon. This combination, while not traditionally tied to a specific cultural origin, has gained popularity in modern cuisine for its delightful contrast of flavors. The richness of the bacon complements the mildness of the sea bass, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.
The Art of Pan-Searing
Pan-searing is a quick and effective cooking technique that allows you to achieve a beautifully browned and crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Proper heat control and the use of a good quality pan are key to success. Adding a simple lemon-butter sauce elevates the dish, providing a bright and acidic counterpoint to the richness of the fish and bacon.
A Modern Classic
This sea bass and bacon recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. It's a dish that can be easily adapted to suit your own preferences, whether you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor or a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 2 (6-ounce) sea bass fillets, skin on or off
- 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1.Prepare the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- 2.Sear the Sea Bass
Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper. Heat the reserved bacon fat and olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Place the sea bass fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- 3.Make the Lemon-Butter Sauce
Remove the sea bass fillets from the skillet and set aside. Add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4.Assemble and Serve
Pour the lemon-butter sauce over the sea bass fillets. Top with the crispy bacon crumbles. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-butter sauce.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pat the sea bass fillets dry with paper towels before searing to ensure a crispy crust.
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