Get ready to transform your dinner table into a gourmet paradise with this extraordinary Tamarind Sea Bass recipe that promises to tantalize your senses and transport you to a world of exotic flavors! Imagine perfectly seared sea bass glazed with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy couscous, and accompanied by vibrant, crisp asparagus. This isn't just a meal - it's a culinary journey that combines Asian-inspired techniques with fresh, elegant ingredients that will make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 sea bass fillets
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the sea bass fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, mix together the tamarind paste and honey until well combined. This will create a sweet and tangy marinade for the sea bass.
- Place the seasoned sea bass fillets in a shallow dish and pour the tamarind and honey mixture over them. Ensure that the fillets are well coated. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- While the fish is marinating, prepare the asparagus. Trim the ends of the asparagus spears and set them aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid.
- After the couscous has rested, fluff it with a fork and set it aside. You can add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt for added flavor, if desired.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil to the pan and allow it to heat up. Once hot, carefully place the marinated sea bass fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the trimmed asparagus. Sauté the asparagus for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, divide the couscous among four plates. Place a sea bass fillet on top of each serving of couscous, and arrange the sautéed asparagus alongside. Drizzle any remaining tamarind and honey sauce from the skillet over the fish for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your Tamarind Sea Bass with Asparagus and Couscous!
Tips
- Pat the sea bass fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and crispy exterior.
- Don't rush the marinating process - letting the fish sit in the tamarind-honey mixture for 10 minutes allows deeper flavor penetration.
- Use a non-stick skillet and make sure it's properly heated before adding the fish to prevent sticking.
- Watch the cooking time carefully - sea bass cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked. 4-5 minutes per side is typically perfect.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a final garnish.
- If you can't find tamarind paste, you can substitute with a mix of lime juice and brown sugar for a similar tangy-sweet profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg