Ingredients:

  • 4 black sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of one lemon
  • (about two tablespoons) Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • (for garnish) Fresh parsley leaves

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside.
  2. Pat the black sea bass fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot but not smoking (about a minute), carefully place the seasoned fillets skin-side down into the skillet.
  4. Cook for about four to five minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Gently flip each fillet using a spatula and cook on the other side for an additional three to four minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least145°F).
  5. In the last minute of cooking, spoon generous dollops of garlic herb butter over each fillet in the skillet. Allow it to melt into sauce while basting fish lightly.
  6. Transfer fish to plates or serving platter. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with additional parsley leaves. Serve alongside lemon wedges for extra zest!