La Corvina: 5 ways to cook this sea treasure

Welcome once again to Paulina Cocina . In this community, we love to eat delicious and healthy food, and fish recipes are always a great option. Today we're going to tell you how to cook sea bass mild- flavored fish that to prepare in different ways. In this post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the fascinating world of sea bass, from its description and characteristics to how to cook it following 5 easy and super-tasty recipes.

About the corvina

What kind of fish is the corvina?

Sea bass are elongated fish with a generally large head and a wide mouth. They belong to the Sciaenidae family , also known as the "croaker family . "

There are many species of sea bass around the world, and some of them are highly prized in sport fishing and gastronomy. The Mediterranean sea bass is one of the most popular and valued species, known for its flavorful white meat , making it a highly valued ingredient in cooking.

White or blue fish?

The classification of sea bass as white or blue fish has been a matter of debate in the culinary world. Unlike other fish, its fat content is not uniform and varies depending on the geographic region in which it is found.

It is generally considered a white fish due to its low fat content, although some specimens may have a slight percentage of fat, which would classify them as semi-fatty fish.

What is its flavor?

Sea bass is characterized by its mild, delicate flavor , with sweet notes and a tender texture. Its white meat melts in the mouth, providing a unique culinary experience. This fish is very versatile in the kitchen, as its flavor is not overly intense, allowing it to be combined with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors.

Sea bass or sea bass?

Both sea bass and sea bass are high-quality, flavorful fish. The difference is that sea bass has a more pronounced flavor and a firmer texture , while sea bass has a milder flavor and a more delicate texture.

How to cook this fish

Corvina can be prepared in a variety of ways , including grilling, baking, broiling, or even ceviche . Before cooking, it's important to make sure the fish is fresh and clean.

It's recommended to season it with salt and pepper, and add lemon juice or a mild marinade to enhance its flavor. Cooking must be done carefully to prevent the meat from drying out . It can be cooked in fillets or whole, depending on the recipe and the desired presentation.

4 tips for cooking sea bass

1. To know if the sea bass is fresh, check that the eyes are bright and transparent, and that the meat has a fresh, pleasant smell.
2. It can be cooked whole or in fillets . If cooked whole, be sure to make diagonal cuts in the skin to prevent it from shrinking during cooking.
3. When marinating it , use mild ingredients such as lemon, olive oil or aromatic herbs, so as not to overpower its flavor.
4. Sea bass cooks quickly , so it's important not to overcook it to ensure it retains its juiciness. Cooking time will vary depending on the recipe and the thickness of the fillets.

5 recipes with sea bass

1. Grilled sea bass fillets with lemon and herb sauce

Yields: 4 portions

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Corvina fillets
• 2 lemons juice
• Olive oil 50 ml
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) 

How to grill sea bass

1. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs until a mixture forms. Brush the fillets with this mixture and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Cook the steaks on a hot grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Sea bass ceviche

Yield: 6 portions

Preparation time : 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 500 g of sea bass cut into cubes
• Juice of 6 lemons
• 1 red onion, julienned
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow chili, julienned (optional)
• Chopped cilantro leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make sea bass ceviche

1. Place the sea bass in a container and cover with lemon juice. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2. Add the onion, bell peppers, and chili to the bowl. Mix well, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. 

3. Baked sea bass with vegetables

Yield : 4 portions

Preparation time : 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 whole sea bass weighing approximately 1.5 kg, split in the middle
• 2 sliced carrots
• 2 sliced potatoes
• 1 sliced onion
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aromatic herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)

How to prepare sea bass with vegetables

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish with a little olive oil, place the carrot, potato, and onion slices with a pinch of salt and pepper and bake for about 10 minutes.
2. Place the sea bass skin-side down on top of the lightly cooked vegetables and drizzle with a little more olive oil, the herbs, and season to taste.
3. Bake for 15/20 minutes, or until the sea bass is cooked and the vegetables are tender and golden.

4. Mediterranean sea bass escabeche

Yield: 6 portions

Preparation time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)

Ingredients

• 1 kg of sea bass fillets
• Flour (to flour the fillets)
• Olive oil
• 1 onion, julienned
• 2 sliced carrots
• 4 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to make marinated sea bass

1. Lightly flour the sea bass fillets and fry them in olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Add a little more olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until tender.
3. Add the bay leaf, white wine vinegar, and dry white wine. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the sea bass fillets and cover them with the marinade liquid. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop. Serve the sea bass escabeche chilled or at room temperature, garnished with chopped parsley.

5. Baked sea bass with tomatoes and olives

Yield : 4 portions

Preparation time : 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Corvina fillets
• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 red onion, julienned
• Black olives, pitted
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make baked sea bass with tomatoes and olives

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tomato and onion slices on the bottom of a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Place the sea bass fillets on top of the tomato and onion slices. Add black olives around the edges.
3. Drizzle everything with a little more olive oil and season the fillets with salt and pepper. 
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sea bass is cooked and the tomatoes are tender. Serve hot.