Lemony Bass Fillets
Delicate bass fillets are enhanced with lemon, orange peel, and tarragon, then broiled to flaky perfection, making a bright, flavorful dish ideal for a light, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place bass fillets on a broiler pan.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan.
- Add lemon juice, grated lemon peel, grated orange peel, tarragon, salt, and pepper to the melted butter, stirring to combine.
- Broil bass fillets for 8 to 10 minutes, brushing often with the lemon-butter mixture.
- Turn fillets over halfway through the cooking time.
- Check for doneness by seeing if the fish flakes when probed with a fork.
- Serve with parsley sprigs and lemon wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter flavor, consider substituting the butter with olive oil. If you prefer a different herb, dill or basil can also work well in this recipe. Always keep an eye on the fish while broiling to prevent it from drying out. Remember, the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. This recipe is a great choice for a quick Skillet Fish Dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemony Bass Fillets alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. Pair with rice or quinoa for a heartier option. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving to enhance the flavors. This dish also complements well with Mediterranean recipes featuring olives or roasted peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the fillets in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery and dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemony Bass Fillets contains roughly 47 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute bass with other firm white fish like snapper, cod, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets to ensure they cook evenly.
What can I do if I don't have tarragon?
If you don't have dried tarragon, consider using dried thyme or oregano as alternatives. Each will impart a different flavor, but they'll still complement the lemon and butter nicely.
Is it necessary to broil the fish?
Broiling gives the fish a lovely, slightly charred flavor while keeping it moist. If you prefer, you can also bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes instead, brushing it with the lemon-butter sauce as it cooks.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).