Ruth’s Chris Chilean Sea Bass Recipe: A Luxurious Seafood Classic
Ruth’s Chris Steak House may be famous for sizzling steaks, but one of their most beloved dishes is actually seafood — the Chilean Sea Bass. This melt-in-your-mouth fish is tender, buttery, and perfectly balanced with Ruth’s Chris’ signature preparation. If you’ve ever dined there and wished you could recreate it at home, you’re in luck. This recipe brings the elegance of a steakhouse dinner straight to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant quality at home – rich, tender, and perfectly cooked.
- Simple preparation – no complicated steps required.
- Elegant dinner option – ideal for holidays, date nights, or special occasions.
- Pairs beautifully – works with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 Chilean sea bass fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional (for a Ruth’s Chris touch): a light white wine sauce or beurre blanc for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fish
Pat the sea bass fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the Pan
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fillets, skin side down if applicable. Sear for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Add Flavor
Flip the fillets gently. Pour melted butter over the top, then add garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spoon the butter mixture over the fish as it cooks.
4. Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges. For an authentic Ruth’s Chris feel, drizzle with a delicate white wine sauce.

How to Serve Chilean Sea Bass Ruth’s Chris Style
- With garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus.
- Over a bed of creamy risotto for an elegant touch.
- Paired with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook — Chilean sea bass is best when moist and flaky.
- Use high heat for the sear — that golden crust is key.
- Always baste with butter — it keeps the fish rich and flavorful.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, halibut or cod can work, but Chilean sea bass has a unique buttery texture.
Q: Is Chilean sea bass the same as regular sea bass?
No — Chilean sea bass is actually Patagonian toothfish, prized for its rich, tender flesh.
Q: Can I grill this instead of roasting?
Yes, but use a grill pan or foil to keep the delicate fish from falling apart.
Bringing Steakhouse Luxury to Your Kitchen
With this Ruth’s Chris Chilean sea bass recipe, you can enjoy a five-star seafood experience without leaving home. The buttery, tender fish combined with garlic, lemon, and parsley creates a dish that’s both simple and luxurious. Pair it with your favorite sides and a glass of wine, and you’ll feel like you’re dining at a world-class steakhouse — right at your own table.

Ruth’s Chris Chilean Sea Bass Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Chilean sea bass fillets about 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Optional White wine sauce or beurre blanc for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish – Pat fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan – In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear fillets (skin side down if applicable) for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- Add Flavor – Flip fillets. Pour melted butter on top, add garlic and lemon juice. Baste fish with the butter mixture as it cooks.
- Finish in the Oven – Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast 8–10 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Drizzle with white wine sauce if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overcook — sea bass should be moist and flaky.
- High heat is key to a golden crust.
- Always baste with butter for rich flavor.
- Fresh lemon brightens and balances the dish.
