Sea bass

Sea bass (branzino) refers to several types of saltwater fish, many of which are not really bass at all. Black sea bass is a true bass fish but white sea bass is actually a "drum" fish.  Giant sea bass is a type of grouper.  All the fish are edible and can be baked, broiled, pan fried or poached.  In Italy, branzino is typically roasted and served whole.  It's a bony fish so the restaurant may ask if you'd like it to be de-boned before it is served.

Branzino is sea bass that lives in the Mediterranean and may also be referred to as European sea bass.

Always purchase fish from a reliable vendor and avoid fish which has been packaged such that you don't have the ability to inspect it.

Click here to learn more about seafood seasons as well as buying, handing, and preparation tips.

If you don't have branzino, you can substitute:

• Equal amounts of rockfish which can be baked, sauteed, or pan-fried.
• OR - Use equal amounts of snapper
• OR - You can substitute grouper