Close-up of a perfectly steamed bass fillet with rosemary and garlic, garnished with lemon

Fish

steamed bass with rosemary and garlic

By Savory Touch

Published: 18 Apr 2025

This recipe is my go-to for a quick, healthy, and unbelievably delicious weeknight meal. I mean, who doesn't love the delicate flavor of fresh bass? It's light, it's healthy, and it's perfect for impressing your dinner guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. This is not your grandma's steamed fish; this is elevated steamed bass! The rosemary and garlic add a delightful savory depth that perfectly complements the fish’s natural sweetness.
A beautifully plated dish of steamed bass with rosemary and garlic
I remember the first time I made this, my friend, Maria, was utterly blown away. She's usually super picky, and she devoured it! I think it was the simplicity—the minimal ingredients highlighting the natural flavors. And, let's be honest, it looks fancy enough for a special occasion, but is easy enough for a Tuesday night.
Close up of the texture of the steamed bass

Required Equipments

  • Steamer basket
  • Large pot with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Steamed Bass with Rosemary and Garlic

This recipe for steamed bass with rosemary and garlic offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy this delicious fish. The fresh herbs and garlic add a fantastic aroma and flavor that enhances the delicate taste of the bass.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first: Make sure your fish is super fresh! Nobody wants a sad, old fish. Seriously. Smell it; it should smell fresh and clean, not… off. Trust your nose!
  2. Rinse the fish: Give your bass fillets a gentle rinse under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels; this helps them steam evenly and prevents sticking. Also, slightly damp fish just looks a little less attractive, so don't skimp on the drying.
  3. Prep your aromatics: Grab your rosemary sprigs and mince those garlic cloves. If you're not sure about mincing garlic, look up a video, those little suckers can be tricky sometimes! We're adding these to the pot for a flavorful steam.
  4. Prepare the steamer: Fill your large pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. This is when that lovely aromatic scent will start filling your kitchen—it's magic, I tell ya! Magic!
  5. Add aromatics: Once boiling, add the rosemary sprigs and minced garlic to the water. The aroma at this point is heavenly. Take a deep breath, and let the stress float away.
  6. Place fish in steamer: Carefully place your bass fillets in the steamer basket. Make sure they aren't overcrowded; they need some breathing room. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
  7. Steam the fish: Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, cover the pot with its lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
  8. Check for doneness: Don't be afraid to test the fish for doneness a little earlier than expected. You'll want it to be cooked through, but not dry, you know? It should be nice and tender.
  9. Remove from steamer: Once cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Use a spatula to transfer the fillets to a serving plate.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with extra rosemary and a lemon wedge, if desired. Seriously. This recipe is about simplicity and letting the quality of the fish shine through. The slight sweetness from the lemon complements the bass beautifully.
  11. Pro Tip: Add a splash of white wine to the water for extra flavor while steaming. Just a little, it makes all the difference! But dont' add too much or it'll be messy.

📝 Notes

  • Ensure your fish is very fresh; smell it. It should smell fresh and clean, not… off.
  • For even cooking, use fillets of similar thickness.
  • Adjust cooking time depending on thickness of the fillets; slightly thicker fillets require more time. Overcooked fish is a sad fish.
  • Don't over-crowd the steamer basket. Let the fish breathe!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 200 kcal

Protein: 30g

Fat: 7g

Carbohydrates: 0g

Fiber: 0g

Calcium: 20mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

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SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

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