Ina Garten’s Chilean Sea Bass is a luxurious and flavorful dish, perfect for a special occasion or an elegant dinner. With its tender, flaky texture and rich buttery taste, this recipe highlights the simplicity of fresh ingredients combined with a touch of gourmet flair.
What is Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass?
Chilean Sea Bass is a premium fish known for its delicate, buttery flavor and firm, flaky texture. Ina Garten’s recipe pairs this versatile fish with simple seasonings and a light, flavorful sauce to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
- Elegant and simple: Minimal ingredients and a straightforward method.
- Healthy yet indulgent: High in omega-3s and low in carbs.
- Versatile pairing: Complements a variety of side dishes.
- Quick preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Gourmet quality: Ideal for dinner parties or special meals.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
- Chilean sea bass fillets: 4 (6-ounce) portions, skinless.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, unsalted.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish.
- White wine (optional): 1/4 cup.
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: Season the fish
- Pat the Chilean sea bass fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Sear the fillets
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the fillets for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 4: Add the sauce ingredients
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, and white wine (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce bubble for 1 minute.
Step 5: Bake the fish
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Finish with lemon and parsley
- Remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle the fillets with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, perfect to soak up the sauce.
- Steamed asparagus: A fresh and light side dish.
- Wild rice: Adds texture and nuttiness to the meal.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the fish beautifully.
- White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
- Choose fresh fish: High-quality sea bass ensures the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook: Check for doneness after 8 minutes in the oven to avoid drying out the fish.
- Sear for flavor: Searing creates a golden crust and locks in moisture.
- Deglaze the pan: Use white wine or chicken broth to enhance the sauce.
- Serve immediately: Chilean sea bass is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
- Herb-crusted: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for an aromatic twist.
- Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for a different flavor profile.
- Mediterranean style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to the skillet before baking.
- Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne for a hint of heat.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked fish tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a 350°F oven or on the stovetop to maintain its texture.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Chilean Sea Bass is a simple yet luxurious dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. With its rich flavor and tender texture, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests.
Try it today and bring a touch of gourmet elegance to your dining table!
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- Barefoot Contessa Poppy Seed Dressing
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- Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder
Ina Garten Chilean Sea Bass Recipe
Chilean Sea Bass is a premium fish known for its delicate, buttery flavor and firm, flaky texture. Ina Garten’s recipe pairs this versatile fish with simple seasonings and a light, flavorful sauce to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Chilean sea bass fillets: 4 (6-ounce) portions, skinless.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, unsalted.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish.
- White wine (optional): 1/4 cup.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: Season the fish
- Pat the Chilean sea bass fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Sear the fillets
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the fillets for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 4: Add the sauce ingredients
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, and white wine (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce bubble for 1 minute.
Step 5: Bake the fish
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Finish with lemon and parsley
- Remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle the fillets with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.