Our Best Sea Bass Recipes

By Hannah Klinger

If you think sea bass is reserved for fancy restaurant menus, think again. This mild, firm whitefish is so versatile and quick to cook, whether it's poached, seared, or baked. And because it comes from the ocean, you'll find lots of recipes inspired by seafood-loving countries from around the world like Spain, Brazil, Japan, and the Caribbean. Look for sustainably-caught fresh or frozen sea bass like black sea bass, barramundi, or branzino at your fish counter. No sea bass available? You can substitute another firm whitefish like cod, snapper, or grouper.

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Sea Bass A La Michele

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This one-pan dinner is like a trip to Spain on a plate. Sea bass and potatoes are coated in a smoked paprika and sherry vinaigrette before roasting together in the oven. "This recipe is excellent! Didn't change a thing," says user Alice L.

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Grilled Sea Bass

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Simple yet packed with flavor, this recipe lets the sea bass shine. The fillets are grilled with a paprika and lemon pepper seasoning, then drizzled with garlic and parsley butter. "This was great—a restaurant quality dish," says reviewer Claudette P Henry.

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Barramundi with Lemon Basil Sauce

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Barramundi is a firm white fish that's also known as Asian sea bass. If you haven't tried it before, this breaded and baked version is a great place to start. "Our first time trying barramundi and we will definitely make it again!" says user RB.

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Sea Bass San Sebastian

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Mayonnaise is the key ingredient for keeping delicate sea bass fillets moist and tender in the oven and helping the almond coating stick. The mayo is seasoned with smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic to infuse the fish with flavor as it bakes.

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Miso and Soy Chilean Sea Bass

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Sweet, salty, savory... this is a marinade you'll want to add to everything. Despite umami-rich miso paste and soy sauce, it won't overwhelm the mild sea bass. A quick broil turns the marinade into a glossy glaze.

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Chef John's Brazilian Fish Stew

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A coconut milk broth infused with warm spices and aromatics is the base for this spicy stew. Add the sea bass toward the end to poach right in the sauce. "It was amazing. This will definitely be a keeper," says fan ldolvin.

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Macademia-Crusted Sea Bass with Mango Cream Sauce

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Bring the island vacation to your kitchen with this impressive recipe. Seared sea bass fillets are topped with a macadamia nut crust and a velvety fresh mango sauce. "This is the best fish recipe I have ever prepared," says recipe reviewer luvs2entertain.

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Sea Bass Cuban Style

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Sea bass fillets simmer in a green olive, caper, and garlic-laced tomato sauce in this speedy recipe. Reviewer Nskiddo21 found it flawless: "I can't stress how perfect it is...I made NO changes to this one."

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Paleo Sautéed Prosciutto Wrapped Whitefish

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Pork and fish in one dish? Yes! Here, thin prosciutto slices are wrapped around barramundi (a type of sea bass) before searing. The prosciutto crisps in the pan as it bastes the mild whitefish.

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Grilled Sea Bass with Chile-Lime Dressing

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Whisk up this no-cook sauce while your sea bass grills and you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. A combo of lime, chile sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil packs a tart, spicy, savory punch.

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Acapulco Margarita Grouper

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While creator Bill Echols chose grouper for this recipe, he says sea bass would be tasty too. The classic tequila cocktail ingredients double as a quick marinade here. A trip to the grill, a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo, and this dinner is done.

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Sea Bass with Honeyed Apples

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The combo of apples, honey, and sea bass made many reviewers do a double take, but they were beyond pleasantly surprised. "It came out wonderful!" says user Deidrek2.

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Moqueca de Peixe Baiana (Brazilian Fish Stew)

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For an authentic taste of Brazil, look no further than this traditional fish stew. Layers of flavor build on each other, starting by marinating the sea bass in fresh lime, the sautèeing it with onions, then simmering everything in coconut milk.

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Chef John's Miso Glazed Barramundi

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Sustainable barramundi (Asian sea bass) is a great alternative to other firm white fish like tilapia, snapper, or grouper. A quick miso, brown sugar, and soy sauce glaze coats the fish as it sears. "Love this!" says reviewer Kit.

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Mexican Mango and Whitefish Ceviche

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Mild, delicate sea bass would be an excellent addition to this ceviche—a fresh citrus and seafood salad that will "add punch to your next party," says creator Crema. We love the contrast of sweet mango with the green chile and tart lime.

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