July 10, 2025

Pan-fried sea bream with fresh herbs – a light and fragrant summer recipe

July 10, 2025

Enjoy perfectly pan-fried sea bream with fresh herbs all summer long. A light, healthy, and quick summer recipe, cooked in a stainless steel pan to bring out the best in the fish.

📝 Recipe Information

Level : ⭐ Easy
Preparation time : ⏱️ 10 minutes
Cooking time : ⏱️ 8 to 10 minutes
Serves : 2 people

Ingredients

🐟 2 sea bream fillets (with skin)
🧄 1 minced garlic clove
🌿 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley
🌿 1 tablespoon of chives or dill
🍋 The juice and zest of one lemon
🫒 1 tablespoon of olive oil
🧂 Salt & pepper

Instructions – With perfect cooking in a stainless steel pan

🔥 Step 1: Preheating the stainless steel pan (key to success)

Place your stainless steel pan on the stove at medium/high power (2/3 of the power) .
Let it heat up empty for 1 to 2 minutes .
Perform the water drop test : pour a drop of water into the pan:
- If it crackles and evaporates immediately → pan not hot enough.
- If it forms a ball that slides across the surface → perfect temperature ✅

🫒 Step 2: Oil after the test

Add the olive oil only after preheating , to prevent sticking.
Let the oil heat for 20 seconds before placing the fish in it.

🐟 Step 3: Sear the fish skin-side down

Place the sea bream fillets skin-side down , without moving them.
Press gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to prevent the skin from retracting.
Cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- 👉 Maillard reaction : this step allows you to create a tasty crust without sticking to the pan.

🔄 Step 4: Turn over and perfume

Turn the fillets over, then add the minced garlic, lemon zest and juice.
Cook for another 2 minutes on the flesh side, just to finish cooking.

🌿 Step 5: Finalize and serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley and chives.
Serve hot with a summer salad, grilled vegetables or lemon rice.

💡 Did you know?

Your stainless steel pan is the ideal tool for cooking fish to perfection:

Healthy cooking : no toxic coating, and no degradation at high temperatures.
Controlled Maillard reaction : for golden flesh without sticking.
Easy cleaning : the juices come off with a simple deglazing.
Durability : an investment for life, without scratches or coatings that peel.