Sea Bass in Tomato Dashi Sauce Recipe

Sea Bass is an expensive treat, I am perfectly aware of that.

As you fans know about me, I go out of my way to get affordable ingredients and end up with not just delicious and nutritious but affordable dishes.
But here is the tradeoff: this sea bass dish is out of this world, and foolproof, and a snap to make, so even the most timid fish cook is assured of a great treat for a small group of guests. No multiple steps: All aboard, and it’s ready in 15 minutes!

So here I will do the uncharacteristic thing: Pick Sea Bass, and not offer alternatives to Sea Bass.

Ever since I can find sea bass in perfect individual vacuum-packed frozen servings, I no longer fret about ruining an expensive treat: The servings are perfect, and somewhat more affordable than fresh. They are increasingly available in fish stores and better markets.

Dashi: the instant Umami heavenly treat.

Please read my post on dashi (defined; discussed). Nothing comes close to Dashi, an until we can find it easily (very soon I hope, with your help!) we will settle for Red Boat or Anchovy Paste. Just remember: When using dashi, Red Boat or anchovy paste: No added salt anywhere.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter (this dish is best made dairy, with butter, but you can settle for olive oil)
• 2 beefsteak tomatoes, diced
• 4 medium shallots, sliced thin
• 1 cup sake or dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons dashi powder, or 3 tablespoons Red Boat Sauce
• 3 good pinches saffron
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• good pinch red crushed pepper flakes
• 6 6-ounce servings vacuum-packed frozen sea bass fillets, thawed (fresh is of course good too, but it is $3-5 more per pound)

Instructions