Pan-roasted sea bass with basil butter sauce

1. 1

   To make the sea bass, slit the skin several times and dust lightly in flour. Fry the sea bass skin-side down for 6-8 minutes, until almost cooked. Flip over and finish on the other side for a minute or so until cooked through. Leave to rest.

2. 2

   To make the basil butter sauce, place the vermouth, vinegar and shallot in a small saucepan. Cook until reduced, with just a tablespoon of liquid left. Keep the sauce over a very low heat and whisk in the cold butter cube by cube until all the butter has been emulsified into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper and add the basil. Keep the sauce warm whilst you make the rest of the dish.

3. 3

   To make the deep-fried topping, preheat a deep fat fryer to 180C. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.) Combine the cornflour and flour, season with salt and pepper and split between two wide bowls. Toss the courgette in the milk, then toss in half the seasoned flour. Toss the cockles and squid in the rest of the seasoned flour. Deep fry in batches for a minute or two until crisp. Transfer to kitchen paper to drain then season with salt and pepper and squeeze over a few drops of lemon juice.

4. 4

   Bring a small pan of water to the boil. Season the water, then blanch the monks' beard for 1-2 minutes. Refresh in cold water and set aside until ready to serve.

5. 5

   To serve, place the sea bass on two plates, spoon the sauce around the fish and pile over the deep-fried topping. Garnish with the monk’s beard and serve.

1 serving ≈ 300 g

Nutrition values are estimates. - means data is unavailable.