Salt Baked Sea Bass with Pesto and Crispy Pancetta Pasta

Succulent salt-crusted sea bass served alongside fresh pasta tossed in homemade pesto and crispy pancetta for a flavorful dinner.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving Total
Calories 1064.1 kcals 4256.4 kcals
Carbohydrates 28.9 grams 115.6 grams
Fat 71.5 grams 285.8 grams
Protein 78.1 grams 312.4 grams
Cook Time
30 mins
Produces
4 people
Allergies
Vegetarian
Vegan
Dairy Free
Gluten Free

Ingredients

Dairy
350
g
50
g
Parmesan
Freshly grated
GrainsCereals
500
g
Pasta
Fresh
Meat
12
slice
Pancetta
Thin slices
NutsSeeds
2
kg
Salt
Fine table salt for the crust
60
g
Basil
Leaves, plus extra for garnish
50
g
Pine Nuts
Toasted
2
piece
Garlic
Cloves
1
1
Salt
To taste
1
1
Black Pepper
Freshly ground, to taste
OilsFats
150
ml
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Adjust as needed for pesto consistency
Seafood
2
kg
Sea Bass
Scaled, gutted, and fins removed

Steps

  • Preheat the oven to 210°C.
  • Place the sea bass on a large baking tray.
  • Whisk egg whites to soft peaks, mix with 2kg salt, and cover the fish completely.
  • Bake for 30 minutes until the crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 38°C.
  • Fry pancetta in a hot pan until crispy then drain on paper, keeping the fat.
  • Boil the pasta, drain it, and return to the pan with a splash of cooking water.
  • Blend basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and garlic into a purée, then stir in olive oil.
  • Combine pasta with pesto, pancetta, reserved fat, and basil, then season.
  • Crack the salt crust, remove the skin, and serve fish over the pasta.