Sea bass, baked in a salt and herb crust

Sea bass baked in salt crust and herbs - A delicacy for gourmets

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a spectacular recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also transform any meal into a special occasion. This is about sea bass baked in a salt crust with aromatic herbs. This cooking method, used for thousands of years, not only preserves the fish's juiciness but also gives it an unmistakable flavor. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 1 large sea bass of about 1 kg (or 3 smaller sea bass)
- 1 kg coarse salt
- 500 g fine salt
- about 200 ml non-alcoholic beer
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4 leaves of sage
- 3 egg whites
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- Zest of one lemon
- Olive oil

Step 1: Preparing the fish

Before starting, make sure the sea bass is well cleaned and washed. This is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with its delicate texture. Remove the scales and internal organs, then wash it well under cold water. This first step is essential to ensure that the fish will have a fresh and clean taste.

Step 2: Preparing the herbs

Finely chop the rosemary and sage leaves, leaving some aside for later use. These herbs not only add a splendid flavor but also an appetizing aroma. Grate the lemon zest over the herbs and add a little salt, then drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix with love!

Step 3: Filling the fish

Stuff the sea bass with the herb mixture, making sure to distribute the flavors evenly. Inside, add the slices of garlic, which will enhance the fish's aroma. These will provide a pleasant taste and a touch of savoriness.

Step 4: Preparing the egg white foam

In a clean bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until a consistent foam forms. This is the moment when air needs to make its way into the mixture, so don't rush! Once you have a firm foam, add the remaining herbs and the beer. This will add moisture and help form the salt crust.

Step 5: Mixing the salts

In another bowl, mix the coarse salt with the fine salt. This combination will create a perfect crust for the fish.

Step 6: Creating the egg white bed

On a baking tray lined with parchment paper, form a bed of egg whites with salt that will support the sea bass during baking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the fish from sticking to the tray.

Step 7: Baking the fish

Place the sea bass on the egg white bed and cover it completely with the egg white foam and salt, ensuring nothing is left exposed. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Bake for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the sea bass. Cook until the flesh becomes opaque and easily flakes from the bones.

Step 8: Removing from the oven

After the baking time has elapsed, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using a meat hammer, carefully break the salt crust, taking care not to scatter salt around. Carefully remove the sea bass, then clean it of skin, which will be very salty.

Serving and variations

Now that the baked sea bass is ready, how about serving it with a side of sautéed vegetables or mashed potatoes? This combination will add a note of freshness and perfectly complement the fish's flavor. Additionally, a green salad with lemon dressing and olive oil will be the ideal accompaniment.

If you want to experiment, you can replace the sea bass with other types of fish, such as dorado or salmon, and add different herbs, such as dill or coriander.

Nutritional benefits

Sea bass is an excellent source of protein, low in fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain heart health. Eating fish can contribute to improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use sea salt instead of fine salt?
Yes, sea salt is perfect for the crust, but make sure to mix it well with the fine salt to achieve an even texture.

2. What type of beer can I use?
Any non-alcoholic beer will work, but if you want a more intense flavor, opt for a blonde beer.

3. Is this recipe suitable for festive meals?
Absolutely! Baked sea bass in salt crust and herbs is an elegant and impressive choice for festive meals.

4. How can I store leftover fish?
Leftover fish can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It can be reheated or eaten cold in salads.

Enjoy your meal and have an unforgettable culinary experience! This recipe not only satisfies the craving for fish but also brings joy around the table, being a reason for gathering loved ones. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story waiting to be shared!