Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve come to the right place! This Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it shines brightly at family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table for a delightful meal.

I adore how this dish balances the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic with the creamy richness of spinach. It’s both refreshing and comforting—truly a celebration of good food and great company!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The flavors are mild yet delightful, making it suitable for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the creamed spinach in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve.
• Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Sea Bass

• 4 sea bass fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamed Spinach

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch nutmeg (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste preferences.

• Swap out the fish: If sea bass isn’t available, try using cod or tilapia for a similar texture.
• Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give your dish a little kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Vegan twist: Substitute sea bass with grilled eggplant or zucchini steaks and use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream.
• Extra veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers with the spinach for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your sea bass cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden crust. While it’s heating up, pat those sea bass fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important because it helps achieve that beautiful sear!

Step 2: Make the Lemon-Garlic Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and melted butter. This mixture will infuse your fish with vibrant flavors. Set it aside while we work on cooking the fish.

Step 3: Sear the Sea Bass

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sea bass fillets gently into the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Spoon that delicious lemon-garlic mixture over them while they cook; this will keep them moist and flavorful! After searing, transfer your skillet directly into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamed Spinach

While your fish bakes away happily in the oven, let’s whip up that creamed spinach! In another large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic here; cooking until softened brings out their sweetness—this is where magic happens! Then add fresh spinach until wilted. Stir in heavy cream along with Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer until slightly thickened—it’s going to be so creamy!

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Now comes the fun part! Spoon generous amounts of creamed spinach onto plates and carefully top them with your beautifully baked lemon-garlic sea bass. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and enjoy every delightful bite of this dish!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

To ensure your Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to elevate your cooking experience.

• Choose Fresh Sea Bass: Fresh fish makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a bright appearance. This will enhance the overall taste of your dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Fish: Sea bass cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! The fish should flake easily when done but still remain moist. Overcooking can lead to dry fish, which we definitely want to avoid.

• Use Fresh Spinach: Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen for a vibrant color and better texture in your creamed spinach. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and gives a delightful taste that complements the sea bass perfectly.

• Balance the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version of creamed spinach, consider reducing the amount of heavy cream or substituting it with coconut cream. This will still provide richness while making the dish feel less heavy.

• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like dill or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs can transform simple dishes into something truly special!

How to Serve Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach

Serving your Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach in an appealing way can make mealtime even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges not only add a pop of color but also allow guests to squeeze more citrus over their fish if desired.
• Chopped Chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a mild onion flavor and brings a lovely freshness to the plate.
• Microgreens: For an elegant touch, top your dish with microgreens. They provide both visual appeal and a hint of earthy flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic make a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the lemon-garlic flavors of the fish.

• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and roasted asparagus offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy spinach while adding vibrant green color to your plate.

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a nutritious complement that balances the richness of the main dish.

• Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs and vegetables is quick to prepare and adds heartiness without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the sea bass.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delightful Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach is not only a delightful meal to enjoy fresh but also an excellent option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow leftover sea bass and creamed spinach to cool to room temperature.
• Place in airtight containers, separating the fish from the spinach if possible.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each sea bass fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• The creamed spinach can be transferred to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze both items for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen sea bass and spinach overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place the sea bass in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Heat the creamed spinach in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

FAQs

Got questions? Don’t worry; I’ve got answers!

Can I use other types of fish instead of sea bass?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other white fish like cod or haddock. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets.

What pairs well with Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach?

Lightly steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some roasted potatoes are perfect accompaniments that balance this dish beautifully.

How do I ensure my Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass is perfectly cooked?

Your sea bass should flake easily with a fork when it’s done. Use a meat thermometer—145°F (63°C) is your target internal temperature!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Lemon-Garlic Sea Bass with Creamed Spinach! It’s a special dish that brings together fresh flavors and comforting textures. Whether it’s for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, I’m sure you’ll love making this recipe as much as I do. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!