Hook, Line, and Sinker: The Perfect Smoked Tuscan Sea Bass

Turn up the heat with Bearded Skull BBQ's Italian-inspired smoked Sea Bass with a velvety Tuscan herb sauce

Overview

Average:(average: 5 out of 5. Total: 2)

Spring is around the corner and there is no where more beautiful in the world than the coastline of Italy this time of year. Inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, #TeamLRF Chef and Pitmaster, Aaron Riley, of Bearded Skull BBQ, is sharing his insanely luscious, smoked sea bass recipe. This is a total game-changer that will have you craving a live fire seafare feast for the ages. Let’s dive in!

Tuscan Smoked Sea Bass

Sea bass is my seafood of choice for this recipe, and when smoked on the pit, it takes on a whole new level of deliciousness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different proteins if fish isn’t your thing; pork or chicken work just as well in this versatile dish.

But the secret to this recipe’s success lies in its ingredients. Sweet tomatoes, hints of garlic and herbs, and a finishing touch of basil and parmesan all come together to create a truly luxurious meal that’ll leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

And while this recipe may be a little more challenging on the pit, the depth of flavor that comes from cooking over an open flame is well worth the effort. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. So next time the weather’s got you feeling down, fire up your pit and get cooking. With this recipe in your arsenal, you’ll be able to turn any rainy day into a delicious and satisfying one.

KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS SMOKED TUSCAN SEA BASS RECIPE:

  • Chilean Sea Bass: This buttery and flaky fish is the star of the show and pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the grill and the creamy herb sauce.
  • Weber Seasonings N’Orleans Seasoning: This spicy blend of herbs and spices adds a kick of heat and a touch of Southern charm to the dish.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning that adds depth and complexity to the smoky sea bass.
  • Heavy Cream: The richness and decadence of heavy cream take this dish to the next level, adding a creamy and luscious texture that balances the smoky flavors.

All the ingredients for the perfect Tuscan cream sauce

  • Grated Parmesan: The nutty and salty flavor of parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the herb sauce, adding a depth of umami flavor.
  • Duck Fat Spray: This luxurious and flavorful spray adds a touch of richness and depth to the smoky sea bass, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: The sweetness and acidity of cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the cream and adding a touch of tanginess.
  • Fresh Basil: The fresh and aromatic flavor of basil adds a touch of Italian charm to the dish, complementing the smoky sea bass and the creamy herb sauce with a burst of freshness.

When it comes to creating the perfect dish, it’s all about finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With these ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering and unforgettable meal that will leave your taste buds singing. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to cook up a storm with these delicious and flavorful ingredients!

WHAT SIDE DISHES COULD BE SERVED ALONGSIDE SMOKED SEA BASS WITH TUSCAN CREAM SAUCE?

  1. Bruschetta: Grilled garlic bread, tomato, oil, and basil add crunch and balance to smoky sea bass.
  2. Burrata with Prosciutto: This luxurious appetizer is made with creamy burrata cheese, salty prosciutto, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s the perfect way to start a meal and pairs beautifully with the rich flavors this recipe
  3. Arancini: These crispy, fried rice balls stuffed with cheese and herbs are perfect for pairing with the sea bass. The crispy exterior contrasts smooth fish; cheesy, herbaceous filling complements Tuscan sauce.
  4. Crostini: Grilled bread topped with prosciutto, cheese, or anchovies – a classic Italian side dish. The salty, savory toppings balance the richness of the sea bass and the creaminess of the sauce.
  5. Caprese salad: The combination of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and creamy cheese is always a winning combination, regardless of the main dish!

TOP 5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SMOKED SEA BASS WITH TUSCAN CREAM SAUCE:

What type of wood should I use for smoking sea bass?
Use fruitwood like apple or cherry for a sweet, mild smoky flavor that won’t overpower delicate sea bass.

How do I know when the sea bass is fully cooked?
Ensure sea bass is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 145°F. You can also check the flesh for flakiness and opacity.

Can I substitute the sea bass with another type of fish?
Yes, you can use other types of fish such as halibut or cod, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

Should I make Tuscan cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes, make the Tuscan cream sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a gas grill instead of a pit for smoke sea bass?
While a pit is the traditional method for smoking, a gas grill can work just as well. Just make sure to use wood chips or chunks to add that essential smoky flavor.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR SMOKED SEA BASS WITH TUSCAN CREAM SAUCE?

Craft Beer:

  1. Baladin Nora – Italian craft beer brewed with ginger, orange peel, and myrrh; unique spicy, citrusy flavor complements smoked sea bass.
  2. Birra del Borgo Re Ale Extra –Floral hops and rich malt perfectly balance smoky sea bass in this beer pairing.

Cocktails:

  1. Rosemary Gin Fizz – Rosemary and gin add depth, while cocktail fizziness contrasts the creamy sauce in this sea bass pairing.
  2. Amaro Manhattan – An Italian twist on the Manhattan with Amaro liqueur, bringing herbal, slightly bitter flavors to complement the sauce.

Wine:

  1. Vermentino di Gallura – Sardinian white wine: crisp, mineral, pairs well with sea bass and creamy herb sauce.
  2. Lambrusco – Emilia-Romagna’s red sparkler complements smoked sea bass and herb sauce with its fruity lightness. A perfect pairing.

Boldly seasoned sea bass with a Tuscan cream sauce over live fire.

SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW LIVE FIRE REPUBLIC ACROSS SOCIAL, WEB AND OUR ADVENTURE CULINARY SERIES ON YOUTUBE!

At Live Fire Republic, we’re devoted to sharing our love for cooking over an open flame. We offer mouthwatering recipes, experiential events, and a YouTube culinary series that inspires and educates fire-cooking enthusiasts. Join our community and gain access to unique outdoor cooking techniques and recipes, and connect with like-minded foodies. Don’t wait – let’s get fired up together!

Smoked Tuscan Sea Bass

Smoked Tuscan Sea Bass

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with our Tuscan-inspired Smoked Sea Bass filets with a creamy, herb sauce that will take any outdoor occasion to the next level.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword: Best Seafood Recipe, cream sauce, sea bass, Seafood Recipes, smoked fish, tuscan, Tuscan sea bass
Servings: 2
Calories: 500kcal

Equipment

  • grill or smoker Setup in 2-zone fashion
  • Charcoal and wood chips or chunks

Ingredients

Smoked Tuscan Sea Bass

  • 2-4 sea bass filets skin on
  • 1/4 cup Weber Seasonings N'Orleans Rub
  • 1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning
  • Spray duck fat (for a healthier option, use avocado oil)
  • Tuscan Cream Sauce recipe below

Tuscan Cream Sauce

  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup shallots, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped garlic
  • 4 cups spinach leaves
  • 1 cup basil loosely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp grated parmesan or more, to taste
  • Salt, pepper and garlic to taste
  • Micro greens, to garnish

Instructions

Tuscan Sea Bass

  • Rinse sea bass and pat dry with a paper towel. In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts of Weber Seasoning Rub. Coat the sea bass with spray duck fat (or other binder of your choice), before seasoning to your liking with the seasoning mixture.
  • Adjust the vents on your smoker or grill, to hold and chamber temp of 225-235 F and roll wispy blues of your favorite fruit wood. Cook for approximately 1.5 hours or until an internal temp of 140 F internal.

Tuscan Cream Sauce

  • Over medium-high heat, place your cast iron frying pan. To the pan, add butter and cherry tomatoes and blister them. Then add shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Next, add spinach and basil and sauté till withered. Add your heavy cream and bring cream to a simmer before adding all of your seasonings and adjusting to your preference. Finally, add grated parmesan to your liking and simmer until thickened. Once sauce is thickened, place cooked sea bass in the sauce, basting the fish before serving.
  • Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for 5-7 minutes before serving

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Join the LFR VIP Mailing List

Premium access to exclusive Live Fire Republic recipe content, discounts on newly launched merch, VIP entry to virtual cooking classes, and become the first to know about private events hosted from Sea to shining Sea.

About Chef David W. Olson
David Olson is a nationally-recognized American Culinary Federation (ACF) Chef, television personality and social network influencer, award-winning recipe developer, live fire grill master, international adventurer, and the creator behind, “LiveFire Republic” and “A Bachelor and His Grill.”
Follow us
More from Live Fire Republic

the last thing
left to do is
serve and enjoy!

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Lauri Thomas

    🔥😋👍🍽❤️

    (5/5)
  2. Suzanne Sorter

    5 stars
    👍

    (5/5)

Leave a Reply

Rate This Recipe

Live Fire Republic’s Field Guide to Perfect Pork Shoulder BBQ

Saddle up, outdoorsmen! Live Fire Republic's Field Guide to Perfect Pork Shoulder BBQ is a…
Average:(average: 5 out of 5. Total: 1)

Ultimate Seafare Feast: Wood Plank-Smoked Spiny Lobster Tails

The most incredible smoked lobster tails recipe ever, taking you on a culinary adventure from…

Grilled Campfire S’Mores Crostini

Rekindle campfire nostalgia with Grilled Campfire S'more Crostini—a symphony of buttery crostini, toasted marshmallows, luscious…

Feathered Fireworks: Spatchcocked Chicken & Calabama Charm

Get ready for flavor fireworks! Explore Spatchcocked Chicken's wild rendezvous with Calabama Charm in this…

Live Fire Republic’s Field Guide: Legendary Slowly-Smoked Brisket

Professional pitmaster advice and step-by-step secrets to juicy and tender, mouthwatering brisket perfection

Brazenly Flavorful: Smoked & Braised Lamb Shank Magic

Embark on a flavor odyssey! Explore the art of Smoked and Braised Lamb Shank. Get…

Raising the Steaks: Tomahawk Ribeyes and Smoked Lobster Tails

Reverse Seared Tomahawk Ribeyes and Smoked Lobster Tails. Your Epic Surf amc Turf Adventure Awaits!

Smoked Bone Marrow Compound Butter

Unleash your inner grill master and embark on a flavor-filled adventure with the enchanting magic…
Average:(average: 5 out of 5. Total: 1)

Fire, Spice and Everything Nice: Orange Ginger Rotisserie Duck

Get ready for a fiery flavor expedition! Unleash the quack-tastic adventure of Orange Ginger Rotisserie…