Grilled Sea Bass Recipe
Introduction
Grilled sea bass is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a summer cookout or a light dinner. Its tender, flaky texture pairs beautifully with a bright lemon chive butter that adds richness and freshness.

Ingredients
- 4 sea bass fillets
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 1 lemon (for zest)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (minced)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill. Set it up for two-zone heat with an overall temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This setup allows you to sear and then cook the fish gently.
- Step 2: Season the sea bass. Drizzle the fillets with avocado oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Sear the sea bass. Place the fillets flesh-side down on clean, oiled grill grates. Sear for about 2 minutes, then rotate the fillets 90 degrees and sear for 2 more minutes to get nice grill marks. Flip the fillets so the skin side is down and repeat the searing process.
- Step 4: Finish cooking over indirect heat. Move the sea bass to the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 5: Prepare the lemon chive butter. In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with lemon zest and minced chives until evenly combined. Place a spoonful of this butter on each fillet just before removing them from the grill.
- Step 6: Serve immediately. Transfer the grilled sea bass to a platter and enjoy with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Tips & Variations
- Use a fish spatula to carefully flip the fillets to prevent breaking the delicate flesh.
- If you don’t have fresh chives, substitute with finely chopped parsley or dill for a different herbal note.
- For a smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your grill while cooking.
- To keep the skin crispy, avoid moving the fish around too much during searing.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled sea bass in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy cold in a salad. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sea bass fillets?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before grilling to ensure even cooking and good searing.
What can I serve with grilled sea bass?
Grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or steamed rice all pair nicely with this dish for a balanced meal.
PrintGrilled Sea Bass Recipe
This grilled sea bass recipe delivers tender, perfectly cooked fillets with a crispy skin and a flavorful lemon chive butter finish. Ideal for a healthy, elegant meal, it combines simple seasoning and precise grilling techniques to bring out the best in this delicate fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Sea Bass Fillets
- 4 sea bass fillets
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon Chive Butter
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 1 lemon (zested)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chives (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat grill: Set up your grill for two-zone cooking with an overall temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This setup allows for both direct searing and indirect cooking for perfect results.
- Season sea bass: Drizzle the sea bass fillets with avocado oil, then sprinkle evenly with Kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
- Sear sea bass: Place the fillets flesh-side down on clean grill grates sprayed with avocado oil. Sear for about 2 minutes, then rotate the fillets another 2 minutes to get a nice crust. Flip to skin-side down and repeat the searing process to crisp the skin.
- Finish over indirect heat: Move the fillets to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), ensuring the fish is cooked through but still moist.
- Make lemon chive butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened salted butter with lemon zest and minced fresh chives. Stir until thoroughly mixed and ready to enhance the hot fish.
- Serve and enjoy: Place a spoonful of the lemon chive butter on each fillet just before removing them from the grill. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For the two-zone grill setup, dedicate one side to direct heat and the other to indirect heat for proper cooking control.
- Make sure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with seasonal grilled vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: grilled sea bass, grilled fish, lemon chive butter, healthy seafood, easy fish recipe, summer grill, avocado oil fish, seafood main course

