Crab & Herb Crusted Chilean Sea Bass
Indulge in a culinary delight with our Crab & Herb Crusted Chilean Sea Bass. This sumptuous dish features a buttery, crab-infused crust that adds a rich and savory dimension to perfectly cooked Chilean sea bass. Ideal for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of fresh crabmeat and the delicate texture of the fish. It’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty, making it an impressive option for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game. Although Chilean sea bass can be costly, feel free to substitute with your favorite white fish for equally delicious results!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chilean sea bass fillet
1 lb (1 1/2-inch thick)
Fresh crabmeat
8 ounces
Unsalted butter
4-8 ounces (room temperature)
Panko breadcrumbs
3 ounces
Chopped parsley
1 ounce
Red bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely diced)
Yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely diced)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set your broiler to high.
2
In an electric mixer, whip the room temperature butter on high speed until it turns white and fluffy.
3
Carefully fold in the fresh crabmeat, chopped parsley, diced red and yellow bell peppers, white pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
4
Gradually add the panko breadcrumbs while mixing on low speed until just mixed in; be careful not to overmix.
5
Place the crab mixture between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
6
Remove the top layer of parchment paper and gently lay the Chilean sea bass fillet on top of the crab crust.
7
Use a knife to cut around the outline of the fillet to create a crust shape, ensuring the crab mixture adheres well.
8
Carefully flip the fillet onto a nonstick baking pan, peeling away the parchment paper to expose the crab crust.
9
Broil in the preheated oven for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10
Finish cooking the sea bass in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the fish is moist and flaky. Serve immediately for the best results.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crab & Herb Crusted Chilean Sea Bass?
It is a gourmet seafood dish featuring a buttery, crab-infused crust applied to a Chilean sea bass fillet, which is then broiled and baked until moist and flaky.
Can I substitute Chilean sea bass with another fish?
Yes, while Chilean sea bass is recommended for its buttery texture, you can substitute it with any of your favorite thick white fish fillets.
What ingredients are in the crab crust?
The crust is made from fresh crabmeat, unsalted butter, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, red and yellow bell peppers, lemon juice, salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How thick should the fish fillet be for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a Chilean sea bass fillet that is approximately 1 1/2 inches thick.
Why do I need to whip the butter?
Whipping the room temperature butter on high speed until it is white and fluffy ensures a light, airy texture for the crab crust.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Panko breadcrumbs are used in this recipe to provide a light and crispy texture to the topping.
How do I roll out the crab mixture?
Place the crab mixture between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch before applying it to the fish.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do I broil the sea bass?
Broil the fish for approximately 3-5 minutes until the crab crust becomes golden brown.
How long does the fish need to bake after broiling?
After broiling, the sea bass should finish cooking in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild heat due to the inclusion of 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is primarily savory and buttery.
What is the best way to handle the crabmeat?
Carefully fold the fresh crabmeat into the whipped butter to maintain the texture of the crab chunks.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to better control the salt content, especially since fresh crab and added salt are also used.
Why use white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper provides a clean look without black specks and offers a sharp, distinct flavor that complements delicate seafood.
How do I know when the sea bass is done?
The fish is done when it is moist and flakes easily with a fork.
What role does lemon juice play in the recipe?
Lemon juice adds acidity to the crust, which helps cut through the richness of the butter and crabmeat.
Can I make this for a romantic dinner?
Yes, this dish is visually stunning and elegant, making it an ideal choice for romantic dinners or special celebrations.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the fish, crab, butter, vegetables, and seasonings.
What vegetables are in the crust?
The crust includes finely diced red and yellow bell peppers for flavor and color.
Should I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to whip the butter until it reaches the desired white and fluffy consistency.
How do I ensure the crust adheres to the fish?
Cut around the outline of the fillet once it is placed on the rolled-out crust and press gently to ensure it sticks before flipping it onto the pan.
Can I use frozen crabmeat?
Fresh crabmeat is preferred for the best flavor, but high-quality frozen crabmeat can be used if it is thoroughly thawed and drained.
Is the recipe easy to make?
While it is a gourmet dish, the steps are straightforward, making it an 'easy elegant recipe' for those familiar with basic kitchen tools.
What type of baking pan should I use?
A nonstick baking pan is recommended to prevent the fish or crust from sticking during the broiling and baking process.
How much crabmeat is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of fresh crabmeat.
What is the thickness of the crab crust?
The crust should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch.
Should the butter be cold?
No, the butter should be at room temperature so that it can be whipped properly.
Can I overmix the panko breadcrumbs?
You should mix the panko on low speed until just incorporated; overmixing can ruin the delicate texture of the crust.
Is Chilean sea bass expensive?
Yes, Chilean sea bass is often considered a premium, more costly seafood option, which is why it is perfect for special occasions.
How should I serve this dish?
It should be served immediately after baking to enjoy the contrast between the crispy crust and the moist fish.