Grilled Sea Bass with Roasted Pumpkin and Sage Brown Butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss pumpkin cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, half the salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.

   Tip: Cut pumpkin into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

2. 2

   While pumpkin roasts, prepare your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels and brush both sides with remaining olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.

   Tip: Dry fish prevents sticking and promotes better browning.

3. 3

   Place sea bass skin-side down on oiled grill grates. Grill for 4-5 minutes without moving, until skin is crispy and releases easily from the grill.

   Tip: Avoid flipping too early; let the skin develop a golden crust.

4. 4

   Carefully flip fillets and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the flesh side until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.

   Tip: Overcooked sea bass becomes dry; watch the thickest part of the fillet.

5. 5

   While fish finishes cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and fresh sage, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty.

   Tip: Brown butter burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it.

6. 6

   Remove brown butter from heat immediately and stir in lemon zest and juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

   Tip: The acid from lemon brightens the rich sage butter flavor.

7. 7

   Divide roasted pumpkin among four plates. Top each with a grilled sea bass fillet, skin-side up. Drizzle the sage brown butter sauce over and around the fish.

   Tip: Arrange the pumpkin cubes for visual appeal, clustering some at the base of the fish.

8. 8

   Garnish each plate with a thyme sprig and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately while fish and butter are still warm.

   Tip: Toasted pumpkin seeds add textural contrast and earthy nuttiness.