What Types of Fish Will Work as a Substitute for Sea Bass?

Sea bass can be found along the eastern coast of the United States. The fish has a white, lean flesh with a subtle, mild to moderate fish flavor. When cooked correctly, sea bass has a firm, flaky texture similar to chicken. Sea bass is considered delectable table fare and is popular in many cuisines. However, if sea bass is not available, a number of highly nutritious fish with similar flavor and texture can be substituted in its place.

  1. Halibut

    • Fresh halibut is available during the summer and fall, but frozen halibut is available year round. A halibut can weigh up to 660 pounds and is the largest of the flatfish types and one of the biggest saltwater fish. Halibut has snow white flesh and very few bones. The meat is lean and firm, with high nutritional value, and the brownish skin can also be eaten. Halibut flesh has a delicately sweet flavor, and is finely textured throughout. The white flesh of halibut is very similar to that of sea bass in both texture and taste.

    Grouper

    • Grouper inhabit waters around the Bahamas and along the coast of Florida. These fish are excellent for eating because of their mild flavored and moist meat. The flesh of groupers is firm, lean and white, and tastes like a cross between halibut and sea bass. The red grouper has a milder and slightly sweeter flavor than the black grouper. Sea bass are members of the grouper family, and their snow white flesh and subtle fish flavor are similar to that of groupers.

    Cod

    • Cod -- which belongs to the same fish family as pollock and haddock -- has a white, mild flavored flesh, making it a good substitue for sea bass. This fish is available year round and its meat can be cooked in a variety of ways. Cod is considered to be a perfect low-calorie source of protein, and its flesh contains valuable nutrients, including blood-thinning fatty acids such as omega-3.

    Striped Bass

    • Striped bass are termed anadromous fish because they leave the rivers in which they were hatched to live their adult lives in the ocean. This fish is the largest member of the bass family, and is known as true bass, separating them from such species as the small and largemouth types. Striped bass is light, flavorful and quick to cook. The striped bass and sea bass are closely related to each other and have similar subtle flavors.