Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Butter
In short: Barramundi fillets seared skin-side down until crisp, then finished with a quick lemon butter sauce, a simple Australian seafood dinner. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 365 kcal
Barramundi is one of Australia's most popular fish, farmed and wild-caught across the north and sold as fillets with the skin on. Its flesh is mild, white and moist, and the skin crisps beautifully if the fish is dry and the pan is hot. A little lemon butter spooned over at the end is all it needs. The whole dish takes about 15 minutes, which makes it a good weeknight dinner.
Instructions
- Take the fish out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. Pat the fillets very dry with paper towels and season both sides with the salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Lay the fillets in the pan skin side down and press gently with a spatula for 20 seconds so the skin stays flat. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the flesh looks opaque two thirds of the way up.
- Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the center reaches 63°C (145°F) and flakes easily. Move the fish to warm plates.
- Wipe out the pan and melt the butter over medium heat. When it foams, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, capers and lemon myrtle if using. Swirl for 30 seconds, then stir in the parsley.
- Spoon the lemon butter over the fish and serve with steamed greens or potatoes.
Tips
- Dry skin gives a crisp crust. If you have time, leave the fillets uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Lemon myrtle is an Australian native leaf with a bright citrus note. Without it, use extra lemon zest. Sea bass or snapper can replace barramundi.
Questions and answers
What can I use instead of barramundi?
Sea bass, snapper or mahi-mahi fillets are good substitutes. Cook them until the center reaches 63°C (145°F), adjusting the time for thickness.
How do I stop fish skin sticking to the pan?
Dry the skin well, use a hot pan with enough oil, and do not move the fish until the skin releases by itself, usually after about 4 minutes.
What goes well with barramundi?
Steamed greens, buttery potatoes, rice or a green salad. A spoonful of mango salsa also suits it.
How long does it take to make Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Butter?
About 20 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Butter?
About 365 kcal per serving, with 36 g of protein, 1 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 365 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
