What are the Different Types of Sea Bass

Fish is one of the most popular items to cook on a menu, from halibut to salmon and everything in between. They offer a unique taste and several health benefits for the eater. One of the top-tier items on the fish menu is usually a type of sea bass. But you may not be as familiar with this particular fish as you would like. 

If sea bass sounds like something you want to order or cook in the future, we have all the information you need to know. From the various types of sea bass to where you can find the best sea bass to cook at home, we know it all, so keep reading. 

What Are the Types of Sea Bass? 

There are many different types of sea bass in the ocean, which means there are ample options available to put on your plate. Let’s go over some of the most common types of sea bass you might find on your plate at a fancy restaurant or your home.

Chilean Sea Bass

One of the most popular sea bass on the market is the Chilean Sea Bass, which is technically a Patagonian toothfish rather than a traditional bass fish. It’s a deep-sea fish and a common option in fancy restaurants. As you can probably assume, Chilean sea bass typically is fished from the waters off the coast of the South American country of Chile. 

Flavors of the Chilean Sea Bass include the following:

• Buttery
• Slightly sweet
• Umami

Chilean Sea Bass must be cooked properly to ensure the proper flavors are extracted and we recommend taking your time to learn how to cook it right. With high-fat content, when cooked sufficiently, it should practically melt in your mouth. 

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass is another common variety of the fish, often used in Asian-based dishes. It’s a much lighter fish than the Chilean Sea Bass iteration and is often fished from the waters off the coast of Florida.

Some flavors that will pair well with Black Sea Bass include the following:

• Lemongrass
• Ginger
• Cilantro

For many, Black Sea Bass is the king of fish in the bass category. It’s lean, white, and flaky, and offers a firmer texture than other selections on the market. If cooked properly, it’s also possible for the skin to be edible adding an extra layer to your eating experience.  

European Sea Bass

European Sea Bass is a variety commonly found off the coast of Africa and Europe, easily one of the most popular fish selections in Europe. It can be baked, roasted, or grilled with ease.

Characteristics of European Sea Bass include the following:

• Fine texture
• Sweet and mild taste
• Lean and flaky meat

These pull together to create an excellent-tasting fish.  European Sea Bass is excellent with some olive oil and a good roast. It’s flaky, sweet, and unforgettable. 

Other Sea Bass Varieties 

These are some of the most common types of sea bass, but there’s more than these three iterations. You can also find White Sea Bass, Blue Spotted Sea Bass, Peruvian Sea Bass, Japan Sea Bass, and more.

Ultimately, it’s up to your preferences to determine which sea bass is ideal for your plate. There are plenty of selections to choose from, and all of them can be prepared to taste delicious! 

Why is Chilean Sea Bass So Special? 

Chilean Sea Bass is one of the most sought-after fishes for its unique flavor profile that tends to lean on the buttery side. It’s flaky, and tender, and pairs well with standout flavors: the chef’s dream.

Surprisingly, one of the biggest boosters in the popularity of the Chilean Sea Bass was thanks to its promotion in the movie Jurassic Park in 1993. It grew to such popularity it nearly went extinct for several years. Luckily, the species is doing fine now and appears on many fine dining menus around the world.

What Are the Best Ways to Serve Chilean Sea Bass?

One of the reasons so many chefs and eaters love Chilean Sea Bass is its versatility. It’s easy to incorporate into any menu and can be grilled, fried, baked, and more.

Some of the best ways to serve Chilean Sea Bass include the following:

• Pan-seared with lemon butter
• Oven baked with olive oil
• Air-fried with potato puree

If you want to make Chilean Sea Bass at home, have fun experimenting with the flavor profile to determine what you like best. It’s a fish worthy of your time.

Is Chilean Sea Bass Healthy?

Chilean Sea Bass tastes good, but taste doesn’t always mean something is good for you. Luckily, there are many healthy items naturally packed inside the average Chilean Sea Bass, which is considered to be one of the healthiest varieties of fish.

Chilean Sea Bass has the following healthy components:

• Lean protein
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin D and B12

There’s several healthy vitamins and minerals inside Chilean Sea Bass, but there are also items to watch out for. This fish is high in mercury, which means it shouldn’t be consumed as a primary protein every day for the average adult. Too much mercury can be dangerous for a person to ingest, though an occasional serving will benefit your diet. 

Is there a Difference Between Sea Bass and Chilean Sea Bass?

Technically, there is a difference between a Sea Bass and a Chilean Sea Bass because a Chilean Sea Bass isn’t a Sea Bass. It’s a Patagonian Toothfish, but it got its name in the 1970s for the sake of avoiding scaring people away from the tasty flavor with an aggressive name. 

One significant difference between these fish is where they live. The Chilean Sea Bass is found in the oceans closer to Antarctica, while other Sea Bass varieties live in saltwater environments. 

Another difference is in the taste. Chilean Sea Bass offers a buttery flavor profile, slightly richer than a classic Sea Bass selection. 

Can You Eat Raw Sea Bass?

Although the taste and texture aren’t for everyone, it’s possible to eat raw Sea Bass as long as you invest in a high-quality cut of the meat. It’s considered one of the best in the raw fish world and goes well with olive oil and sea salt.

Other fish able to be eaten raw include salmon, swordfish, mackerel, trout, tuna, and more. As long as it’s a high-quality cut and has been prepared properly, you can eat it. The taste and texture will be very different from eating a cooked version of the same product. 

Do You Eat the Skin of Sea Bass?

You can eat Sea Bass raw, but what about the skin? As it turns out, it’s possible to eat the skin of this fish if the dish is prepared properly. There is significant flavor packed into the skin that you’ll miss out on if you peel it off and toss it to the side.

One of the best ways to enjoy the skin is to cook it until it crisps up, like a chip. You can then enjoy the skin as a side while eating the portion of protein in the meal. It’s also highly nutritious and comes with collagen, several vitamins, and other boosting minerals for the human body. 

Where Can You Find Sea Bass?

Sea bass offers a fantastic flavor profile, but you need excellent cuts of meat to bring the proper taste to life. If you want fresh sea bass delivered to your front door, purchase your meat from Kolikof Caviar & Gourmet. 

At Kolikof, you can find European Sea Bass and Chilean Sea Bass, proteins packed with incredible flavor. You can mix it up and add more fish to the lineup for a complete experience, such as Dover Sole filets, European Turbot, and more.