Steamed Sea Bass with Crispy Caper Bread Crumbs

Name: Steamed Sea Bass with Crispy Caper Bread Crumbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 thick slices of bakery white peasant bread (about 4 ounces), crusts removed and bread torn into 2-inch pieces; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large anchovy fillet, chopped; 1 garlic clove, sliced; Scant 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 tablespoon drained capers; 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley; 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 4 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the pie plate; Four 7-ounce sea bass fillets, about 1 inch thick; 8 thin lemon slices; 1 tablespoon dry white wine

Servings: persons

2 thick slices of bakery white peasant bread (about 4 ounces), crusts removed and bread torn into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large anchovy fillet, chopped
1 garlic clove, sliced
Scant 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon drained capers
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the pie plate
Four 7-ounce sea bass fillets, about 1 inch thick
8 thin lemon slices
1 tablespoon dry white wine

1
In a food processor, pulse the bread until coarse crumbs form.
2
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
3
Add the anchovy, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook over high heat, stirring, until the anchovy dissolves and the garlic is just beginning to brown, about 30 seconds.
4
Stir in the bread crumbs and capers and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until the bread is golden and crisp, about 8 minutes.
5
Off the heat, stir in the parsley and lemon zest and season the toasted bread crumbs with salt and pepper.
6
Meanwhile, lightly butter a 9-inch glass pie plate.
7
Arrange the fish fillets skin side down in the plate.
8
Season with salt and pepper and dot with the 4 teaspoons of butter.
9
Place 2 lemon slices on each fillet and drizzle with the wine.
10
Make a steamer by arranging 3 small balls of aluminum foil in a very large, deep skillet.
11
Add 1 inch of water to the skillet and bring to a boil.
12
Carefully set the pie plate on the foil balls, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and steam the fish for about 8 minutes, until it flakes with a fork.
13
(Alternatively, steam the fish in a shallow bowl set in a bamboo steamer.)
14
Using a spatula, transfer the sea bass fillets to shallow bowls and spoon the broth on top.
15
Push the lemon slices off to the side and top the fillets with the toasted bread crumbs.
16
Serve right away, before the crumbs get soggy.

307

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 thick slices of bakery white peasant bread (about 4 ounces), crusts removed and bread torn into 2-inch pieces, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 large anchovy fillet, chopped, 1 garlic clove, sliced, and more.

Yes, Steamed Sea Bass with Crispy Caper Bread Crumbs falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!