Sea bass with peas and bacon is an ideal after-work dish for two. Adding bacon to the peas lifts this humble vegetable so that it shares the limelight in this simple supper dish.
You will love this dish because....
Baked, grilled or fried sea bass is a white fish with a delicate flavour which makes a great midweek meal but is also delicious and elegant enough that I will also serve when entertaining.
- Fish supper
- Dinner for two
- Quick
- Easy
- Nutritious
Most often I use fillets and pan fry it in just a little oil in a non-stick pan and it takes no more than 5 minutes on each side to cook making it great for a quick after-work dinner.
For this recipe, I have served it with peas, cooked with bacon and some potatoes to satisfy a hungry appetite. I have given quantities for two here because I think it is a perfect supper for two but you can easily double up to feed a family or when entertaining.
Hints, Tips and Variations
Use plain seas bass fillets or ready marinated fillets (available in some supermarkets) to make this dish
If you wanted to marinate your own, sprinkle with a little chopped parsley, salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice and allow to stand for 30 minutes before cooking.
The sea bass can also be grilled instead of pan-fried. Grill, skin side up for about 4 minutes until the skin is crispy and the flesh is opaque
Or try baking. Place skin side down on an oil baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 200℃ (180℃ fan)/400°F/gas mark 6 for about 8 - 10 minutes.
If cooking this dish for more than two I find it easier to grill or bake the fish.
Other white fish such as cod, plaice or sea bream also works well in this recipe.
Use fresh peas when in season. Pod the peas and blanch briefly in lightly salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding to the pan as directed.
More Fish Recipes Made Easy
- Herb crusted roast cod
- Pan-seared salmon with spinach
- Oven baked trout with crushed potatoes and beans
- Easy fish pie
What to serve with the sea bass
This recipe is a complete meal in one and does not need any other accompaniments. When entertaining I like to serve with a dry white wine such as a sauvignon blanc or a French muscadet.
Sea Bass with Peas and Bacon Step by step
Step 1 Cook the potatoes in a pan of lightly salted boiling water for 10 minutes or until only just tender.
Step 2 Fry the onion and bacon until the onion is soft and the bacon begins to crisp.
Step 3 Add the garlic and fry for another minute or two.
Step 4 Then add the peas to the pan with a little water.
Step 5 Add the potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
Step 6 Meanwhile cook the sea bass fillets.
Step 7 Serve the sea bass fillets placed on top of the peas, bacon and potatoes. Enjoy!
Sea Bass with peas and Bacon
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 2 frying pans
- fish slice or spatula
Ingredients
- 300 g waxy potatoes cut into thick wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 small red onion sliced
- 4 rashers streaky bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 250 g frozen peas
- 4 tablespoon fish stock or water
- 4 sea bass fillets
- 1 teaspoon balsamic or sherry vinegar
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook 300g (10oz) potatoes cut into wedges in a pan of lightly salted boiling water for 10 minutes or until only just tender.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a frying pan and add 1 small slice red onion and 4 rashers streaky bacon cut into strips. Fry gently until the onions are softened and the bacon begins to crisp.
- Add 1 chopped garlic clove to the pan and fry for 1 to 2 minutes minute, then stir in 250g (9oz) frozen peas and 4 tablespoons stock or water. Drain the potatoes and add to the pan. Stir together and cook gently for 5 minutes.
- Once you have added the potatoes to the peas, heat the remaining oil in a separate pan and fry 4 sea bass for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
- Sprinkle the peas and bacon mixture with 1 teaspoon vinegar, and season with pepper and a little salt if required. Divide between two plates and place the sea bass on top. Serve immediately.
Erica
Super midweek fish dish. My daughter usually turns her nose up at fish, but her comment today was, “ That was delicious, Mum!” High praise indeed.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine
Perfect! pleased to hear this.:)
Michelle Rolfe
Super easy recipe to follow, a really light dish that pleased the entire family! Added to my list of go to dishes from now on!
Jacqui Bellefontaine
Great to hear Michelle, so glad you liked it.
Louise Fairweather
I have never cooked sea bass before. This sounds so lovely I think I may need to give it a go! #cookblogshare
Eb Gargano
This looks so lovely! The perfect #midweekmeal!! Eb x
Jacqui Bellefontaine
Thanks Eb I do like a nice quick fish dish.