Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce

Recipe by LoveTheWild.comCourse: MainCuisine: Mediterranean-InspiredDifficulty: Moderate

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Ingredients

For the Striped Bass:
4 sustainably sourced striped bass fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, sliced for garnish
For the Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce:
2 large red bell peppers
1/3 cup almonds, toasted
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste

Directions

Roast the Red Peppers: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and blistered. Remove from the oven, cover with foil or a bowl for 10 minutes to steam, then peel and discard the skins.
Make the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
Cook the Striped Bass: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bass fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the fillets skin-side down first for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Serve: Place the cooked striped bass on plates, spoon over the roasted red pepper almond sauce, and garnish with lemon slices.
Enjoy: Your Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce is ready to serve.

Notes

Ensure the striped bass is sustainably sourced; check for certifications or consult with your local fishmonger.
The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a nutty depth to the sauce.

In the culinary world, the marriage of fresh seafood with a vibrant sauce can create a symphony of flavors. Our focus today is a sustainable and delectable dish: Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce. This recipe not only brings a burst of Mediterranean flair to your table but also highlights the importance of sustainable seafood choices.

Selecting the Best Ingredients:

LoveTheWild - Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper and Almonds

Striped Bass: The star of this dish is the striped bass. When selecting your fish, look for sustainably sourced options. Freshness is key – the fish should have bright, clear eyes and a clean smell.
Red Bell Peppers: Choose firm, bright red bell peppers. The quality of the peppers directly influences the flavor of the sauce.
Almonds: Opt for raw almonds that you can toast yourself for the best flavor.

Preparing the Dish:

Roasting Red Peppers: Start by roasting your red peppers. This process intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky depth. Don’t rush this step; a well-roasted pepper makes all the difference.
Creating the Sauce: Blend the roasted peppers with toasted almonds and other ingredients until smooth. The almonds should be lightly toasted to enhance their nutty flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Cooking the Striped Bass: Achieving the perfect sear on the striped bass is crucial. The skin should be crispy, offering a delightful contrast to the tender flesh. Heat your pan first before adding oil, and then the fish, skin-side down.

Chef’s Tips:

Season the fish right before cooking to prevent drawing out moisture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the fish. Cook in batches if necessary.
Let the fish cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a good sear before flipping.
Always rest your fish for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful fillet.

Plating Your Dish:

Presentation matters. Place the cooked fish on a warm plate, spoon the roasted red pepper almond sauce generously over the top, and garnish with a slice of lemon for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Conclusion:

The Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of sustainable culinary practices and rich flavors. By choosing responsibly sourced ingredients and preparing them with care, you create a dish that’s not only delicious but also respectful to our oceans. So, gather your ingredients, don your chef’s hat, and enjoy the process of creating a dish that’s sure to impress.

Bon Appétit!

Striped Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Almond Sauce