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Sea Bass in Miso Coconut Sauce

A luxurious weeknight dinner of tender roasted sea bass in a rich miso coconut sauce, served with fluffy coconut rice and vibrant bok choy.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Seafood
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pickled Scallions
  • 5 pieces scallions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coconut Rice
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Miso Coconut Sea Bass
  • 1 pound sea bass fillets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small Thai chili, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon white miso paste
  • 7 ounces coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil
  • 1/2 pieces lime, zest and juice of
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 pound baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a heatproof bowl, stir together boiling water, rice vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Toss the sliced scallions to coat and let them rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Under cold water, rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then drain well.
Cooking
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. Place the sea bass fillets on a sheet pan, drizzling with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then roast for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Keep warm.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, Thai chili, and shiitake mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms soften and brown.
  5. Stir in the miso paste until smooth, then add coconut cream, rice vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add chili oil, lime zest, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste; keep warm over low heat.
  7. In another skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high. Place bok choy cut-side down and cook for 7-8 minutes, turning once until lightly charred and tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Plating
  1. Spoon coconut rice onto plates, top with roasted sea bass, and finish with a generous drizzle of the miso coconut sauce. Garnish with pickled scallions, and serve the seared bok choy alongside.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the sea bass with other firm fish or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.