Entrée: United States – Classic Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Parmesan Asparagus

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 2

Approximate Time

Prep 5 min

Cook 11 min

Total 16 min

Ingredients

2 sea bass fillets, about 12 oz total (340 g total; ~6 oz/170 g each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Sea Bass**: Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the sea bass fillets skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Turn the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through.

2. **Prepare the Asparagus**: While the sea bass is cooking, melt butter in another pan over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and vibrant green.

3. **Finish with Parmesan**: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus. Toss gently to coat the asparagus evenly with the cheese, then remove from heat.

4. **Serve**: Place the Parmesan asparagus on a serving plate, arrange the pan-seared sea bass fillets on top, and drizzle with lemon juice just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.