One of our most appreciated entrées is the exquisite seared black sea bass, a perfect dish for a sophisticated dinner or a special occasion.
This delicacy features a succulent piece of black sea bass paired with beet raita, roasted vegetables, and shaved fennel.
Black Sea Bass: All about this Culinary Treasure
The black sea bass (Centropristis striata) is a fish with a stout body covered in dark, almost black scales with hints of blue and green. It is found along the eastern coast of the United States, from the Gulf of Maine to the Florida Keys, and thrives in rocky bottoms and around reefs and wrecks.
These fish are known for their impressive growth, with the biggest black sea bass on record weighing over 8 pounds.
Generally, black sea bass season runs from May to October, when male colors become even more vibrant. This seasonal change is a key indicator for fishermen targeting and fishing black sea bass during prime months.
This fish is highly prized for its delicate texture and mild, sweet flavor. The flesh is white and lean, making it a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in various ways.
Black Sea Bass vs Chilean Sea Bass
Many people wonder what’s the difference between these two species. Well, black sea bass offers a more delicate, flaky texture and mild sweetness, whereas Chilean sea bass is known for its rich, buttery flavor and larger, meatier flakes.
Culinary Uses
Because of its fine texture and mild flavor, black sea bass recipes are favorites among chefs and home cooks alike—The black sea bass flavor, characterized by its subtle sweetness, pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it an excellent choice for diverse dishes.
Cooking Black Sea Bass
- Searing: Creates a crispy skin and moist interior, perfect for a sophisticated entrée.
- Grilling: Imparts a smoky flavor while keeping the fish moist and tender.
- Baking: Allows for even cooking and is ideal for adding herbs, lemon, and other aromatics.
- Poaching: Preserves the delicate texture and infuses the fish with subtle flavors from the poaching liquid.
Mission + Market’s popular recipe for black sea bass features a seared piece of the fish paired with beet raita, roasted vegetables, and shaved fennel.
Is Black Sea Bass Healthy?
Black sea bass meat is a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, B12, and selenium.
These nutrients are good for our overall health, contributing to muscle growth, energy production, and a robust immune system.
How to Cook Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass cooking is not as difficult as it seems. We like to sear it, as it enhances its natural taste while providing a crispy, golden-brown exterior. So, we’ll share a simple seared black sea bass recipe for you to try at home!
Ingredients
- 2 black sea bass fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
Preparation
- Pat the sea bass fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the fillets skin-side down and sear for around 5 minutes (until the skin is crispy).
- Flip the fillets, add butter to the skillet, and cook for another 3 minutes, basting with the melted butter.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest for brightness.
Beet Raita
Beet raita or beetroot raita is an Indian side dish made with yogurt, grated beets, and a few spices. Some variations include additional ingredients like chopped onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
This is a fantastic cooling accompaniment that adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish, balancing the richness of the sea bass. Besides, the beets provide a beautiful color and a subtle earthy sweetness.
But this dish is not only delicious and appealing; it’s also healthy. Among beetroot raita’s benefits, we can mention its antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial bacteria.
Now, let’s explore our beetroot raita recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 large beet, roasted and grated
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds or roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Preparation
- Roast the beet in the oven at 375°F for 45 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, let it cool, peel, and grate.
- Then, in a bowl, mix them with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and cumin seeds.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh mint leaves, mixing everything well.
Roasted Vegetables and Shaved Fennel
Roasted vegetables provide a hearty base and a caramelized sweetness for the dish. You can roast red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion, tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
Then, the saved fennel adds a refreshing crunch and a mild anise flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
How to shave fennel properly
Trim off the stalks and feathery fronds from the top of the bulb, leaving only the bulb itself.
- If you use a chef’s knife, carefully slice off the root end of the fennel bulb. Hold the fennel bulb firmly with one hand, and with the other hand, use a sharp chef’s knife to make thin, vertical slices from top to bottom. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Continue slicing until you have shaved the entire fennel bulb.
- If you use a mandoline slicer, adjust the mandoline to the desired thickness setting. Hold the fennel bulb firmly and run it over the blade of the mandoline, creating thin slices.
Plating the Dish
To assemble the dish, start by placing a generous spoonful of beet raita on the plate. Arrange the roasted vegetables beside the raita, creating a bed for the seared black sea bass, and place the seared fillet on top of the vegetables, skin-side up to showcase its crispy texture.
Finish by sprinkling the shaved fennel over the top, adding a touch of green and a refreshing crunch.
Experience the Unique Black Sea Bass Flavor at Atlanta’s Favorite Restaurant
Seared Black Sea Bass with beet raita, roasted vegetables, and shaved fennel—a sublime dish that also pleases the eye.
The combination of exquisite flavors and textures makes it a memorable entrée that is sure to impress, bringing elegance and sophistication to the table.
We invite you to relish the sounds of the sea meeting the garden in this majestic dish at the best restaurant in Atlanta. Visit us and discover how we bring the best of both worlds to your table!
