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Simple Joyful Food

small ideas that add joy to life

main dish

Great Memories Happen When Chilean Sea Bass Is Involved.

October 8, 2013 11 Comments
 

Some things in life continually have me scratching my head. Sometimes I feel like I am a spectator in life’s journey, constantly analyzing patterns and trends. Constantly trying to figure out “why.” While at the same time enjoying the beauty of it all. I guess that happens when you are the offspring of a technical writer and a poet.

After almost twenty-four years married to Dennis, I am afraid I am rubbing off on him. He doesn’t even realize how often he says, “Hmmm, I wonder why?” without blinking.

Chilean Sea Bass is neither a bass nor from Chile.

Hey, I just heard you say, “Hmmm, I wonder why?”

Chilean Sea Bass is a deep-water toothfish caught in southern waters near Antarctica. The Chileans were the first to market this fish to our continent, so they snagged the naming rights. They called it a sea bass, and now we call it a sea bass. (Or so says the internet.)

You may have heard about Chilean Sea Bass becoming an endangered species some years back. Good news, it isn’t. Yet there is a huge black market for this insanely popular fish. The delicate white meat is highly prized, and it fetches top dollar.

A 24-country commission monitors the fishing of Chilean Sea Bass to ensure that its population is kept safe and not overfished. If you are ever concerned about the legality of your Chilean Sea Bass, ask the seller to verify that the fish was caught legally in compliance with the commission.

Chilean Sea Bass is my culinary happy place.

Chilean Sea Bass is reserved for special occasions, and I usually portion to stretch it out. You can pick up two pieces of Chilean Sea Bass from The Fresh Market in Rogers for about thirty bucks. Whole Foods also has it available, usually with the skin on.

Two pieces will serve four people comfortably.

I warn you that they may beg for more.

Choose Chilean Sea Bass for special family time.

Dennis and I bought four pieces of this delightfulness as we left town for vacation. We met eleven other family members at our cabin getaway in Branson and everyone was bringing food for a family cookout. We decided that four pieces were perfect for the thirteen of us since the main course was tenderloin.

We packed our small grill pan and other cabin essentials and got to work firing up the grill.

Firing up the grill for Chilean Sea Bass (c)nwafoodie
 

Prepare Chilean Sea Bass as simply as possible.

While the coals were heating up, I started prepping the fish. Chilean Sea Bass is best when prepared simply.

You will marvel at its buttery taste and flakiness if you have never tasted it. It literally will melt in your mouth.

Seriously.

Not kidding.

After washing, I rub it with macadamia nut oil, which does an excellent job of handling the high heat intensity of a grill. Then it’s just a sprinkle of cracked pepper and sea salt, and that is it.

Nothing else is needed.

 
Chilean Sea Bass on the grill (c)nwafoodie
 
 
My little niece is always eager to join in whenever her Aunt Lyndi and Uncle Dennis start cooking. 
 
Don’t you love a family get-together?
 
 
Jocelyn at the grill Chilean Sea Bass (c)nwafoodie
 
 
It didn’t take her long to get mesmerized by the glow of the fire stick poker.
 
Grilling is fascinating by bringing in another level of engaging the senses, adding to the satisfaction of a great meal.
 
 
Jocelyn mesmerized Chilean Sea Bass (c)nwafoodie
 
 
Before we knew it, the fish was done, and it was time to let the fire die.
 
 
Jocelyn blowing out the fire Chilean Sea Bass (c)nwafoodie
 
 
Like grilling meat or chicken, always let your fish “rest” for a few minutes, tented in tin foil. It seals in the juices and readies it for your palate.
 
Now, it is time to eat!
 
 
Chilean Sea Bass is done (c)nwafoodie
 
 
There is always one steadfast area in my life where I am NOT a spectator or an observer but a willing participant.
 
And that, my friends, is dinnertime.
 
Eat well, my friends. Eat well.
 
Lyndi

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  1. Beth says

    October 8, 2013 at 2:33 am

    hmmm, that sounds really good. Sounds like you guys had a great time.

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      October 8, 2013 at 12:40 pm

      Thanks Beth, we had a really great time!

      Reply
  2. StaC says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Must try it! I love that its not Chilean or sea bass! That makes me laugh! Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing. I feel like I was there with you.

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      October 8, 2013 at 12:42 pm

      It made me laught, too! I refrained from saying, "discuss" after saying that!

      Thanks about the photos… I finally got a DSLR (even though I still use/love my G11) and the macro lens is out of this world awesome!

      I wish you were there with us.

      Love ya sis,

      Lyndi

      Reply
  3. Dawn Sticklen says

    October 8, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Chilean Sea Bass is my absolute favorite! I have never seen it in a grocery here in Joplin, may have to pick some up on my next trip to Rogers.
    Incidentally, have you heard of Heavenly Oils and Vinegars in Kansas City? They make the most delicious flavored olive oils and vinegars – I try and utilize them in my day-to-day cooking to help make meals even more special. Here is the website: https://www.heavenlyoliveoils.com/shopcontent.asp?type=Aboutus

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      October 8, 2013 at 6:43 pm

      Joplin may indeed be a challenge for you to find it, so yes! Come to Rogers and pick some up next time you are in town!

      Heavenly Oils and Vinegars in KC is new to me… I bookmarked their website! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    • Dawn Sticklen says

      October 9, 2013 at 6:05 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  4. Debbie Arnold says

    October 10, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Your niece is just as precious and precocious as you are:) Oh, and the sea bass (aka some sort of white fish) looks yummy as well. Have you had opakapaka? Wish there was a way to get some here — probably would cost all of the gold in Fort Knox. I still have your AWBU goodies — Chk your calendar for the end of the month. I think I may be in town during the last week of the month. Lunch is on me.

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      October 11, 2013 at 11:47 am

      She's the best!
      It is yummy!
      No, I haven't.
      Yikes!
      Sweet!
      Great!
      Score!

      🙂

      Reply
  5. Tracy says

    October 12, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    I'm a server at Theo's, we have it on our menu and it's my favorite! Thanks for the lesson! 🙂

    Reply
    • nwafoodie says

      October 14, 2013 at 11:49 am

      Yum, love Theo's! I'll have to look for you next time I am there!

      Reply

My name is Lyndi Fultz, and I live in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, which span Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.

I like to share small ideas for living simply and eating happily.

You will find that I talk a lot about food because we all need to eat. Why not add little bits of food joy where possible?

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“Just like becoming an expert in wine–you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford–you learn about great food by finding the best there is, whether simply or luxurious. Then you savor it, analyze it, and discuss it with your companions, and you compare it with other experiences.” – Julia Child

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