Are you looking for a light, delicious fish recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights? Look no further than this easy Barramundi in Lemon Butter Sauce recipe! This mild, flaky fish is not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
What is Barramundi?
Barramundi (also known as Asian sea bass) is a sustainably farmed fish known for its:
It is an excellent choice for those new to eating fish or looking for a versatile, healthy protein option.
What does Barramundi fish taste like?
Barramundi is a light, flaky, and mild-tasting fish. It's buttery yet subtle, perfect for the picky eater or those new to fish. Its gentle taste is often compared to fish like halibut, sea bass, and snapper with a texture similar to sole. It is versatile enough to please the entire family, even the little ones. What's also great about this fish is that it can be defrosted in under 30 min, making it an ideal option for a busy night when you need a quick, healthy meal.
Where to buy Barramundi?
Barramundi can be found at:
- Local fish markets
- Supermarkets like Whole Foods and Costco
- Often found in freezer sections (mostly sold as individually wrapped fillets)
Pro Tip:
Keep a bag of frozen Barramundi fillets in your freezer for quick, last-minute meals!
How to defrost fish?
Overnight Refrigerator Method
The safest way to defrost fish is to do so overnight in the fridge by transferring the fish from the freezer to the refrigerator and letting it thaw overnight. It is recommended that the fish be kept in individually sealed packaging to avoid any leaking. When ready to cook, open the packaging, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels; it's then ready for use.
Quick Method
But if pressed for time, another option is to submerge the individually sealed fish packets in cold water in a shallow dish. It should take about 20 to 30 minutes to thaw, check halfway, and change the cold water if needed. When ready to cook, remove the item from its packaging, rinse it in cold water, and pat it dry. If defrosting via the quick method, use the fish immediately. I don't recommend submerging just the fish without its packaging in the water, as it can absorb too much liquid.
How to cook barramundi?
Barramundi is a versatile fish that can be prepared in various ways, including baking, steaming, poaching, grilling, pan frying, or cooking in parchment paper (en papillote). My preferred method is pan-searing - it's quick, easy, and creates a delicious, golden crust while keeping the interior moist and flaky. An added bonus is that you can toss vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or string beans into the same pan to complete the meal. This one-pan approach saves time and dishes!
And don't worry about stinking up the kitchen. It is a mild fish, so it will not have a strong aroma when it hits the pan.
Ingredients
This entire recipe comes together with just 5 ingredients, including the side of vegetables.
- Barramundi Fillets (I like the Australis Brand. It can be found in the supermarket's freezer section. )
- Lemon
- Butter (I prefer to use Kerrygold Salted)
- Fresh Herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill
- Green beans or asparagus, or broccoli
See the recipe card for quantities.
- Arlene
Step by Step
- Ensure the fish is fully thawed. Pat the barramundi fillets dry and season with salt and pepper, or use a citrus salt seasoning like Borsari Citrus Salt.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado or olive oil, just enough to coat the pan.
- Once the pan is hot, add the fish fillets to the pan and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. Gently flip with a fish spatula. If the fish is sticking and not easily released from the pan, give it another minute or so to cook.
- This step goes quickly, so have all your ingredients, such as butter, lemon juice, and a small spoon, ready. After 2 minutes on the second side, lower the heat to medium-low. Add butter and lemon juice to the pan. Tilt the pan to one side and spoon the melted butter and lemon mixture over the fish repeatedly until it is fully coated.
- Transfer the fish to a plate and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or dill.
- Optional: To make it a complete meal, prepare a quick vegetable side dish. Add green beans to the hot pan, mixing with the remaining lemon butter sauce. Season with salt and garlic powder (or garlic salt), then cook for 3-4 minutes or until the green beans are vibrant green. If needed, add a sliver of butter and the other half of the lemon for extra flavor. Serve the greens alongside the fish.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the fish dry before cooking for a crispy exterior.
- Have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking, as the recipe comes together quickly.
- Use a fish spatula for easier flipping
- Don't overcook - the fish should be just opaque in the center.
- For a quick defrost, submerge sealed fish packets in cold water for about 20 minutes. If unsealed, place the fish in a plastic bag first to prevent water absorption.
Choosing the right pan
The pan you use can significantly impact your results. I recommend using the one with which you are most comfortable. If you are a novice cook, use a non-stick pan for easier handling. If you are more comfortable in the kitchen, a stainless steel pan or a cast-iron skillet works well in this recipe. (New to cooking with stainless steel? Check out our guide on How to Cook with Stainless Steel pans.)
Whichever pan you choose, make sure the pan is hot before adding the fish. This helps achieve a good sear and prevents sticking. Additionally, select a skillet or pan with a large, flat bottom that can accommodate the fish fillets comfortably.
What to serve with Barramundi
Barramundi can be served with vegetables like green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or grilled romaine lettuce. But it is also delicious with mashed potatoes, buckwheat groats, or rice. Alternatively, for a lighter meal, pair it with a salad, like this refreshing fennel salad with cucumbers or a mango salsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Give this Barramundi in lemon butter sauce recipe a try, and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner! Looking to switch things up? Try the fish with miso butter recipe or a whole roasted branzino. Want to explore even more fish and seafood recipes? Check out these options! And if you try one, be sure to give it a rating.
Barramundi fillet in lemon butter sauce
Ingredients
Fish
- 2 Barramundi fillets, fresh or defrosted
- generous pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil
- ½ lemon , juiced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cilantro or dill, chopped
Green Beans
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ½ lb green beans or haricots verts, trimmed
- ½ lemon (optional), juiced
- ½ tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
To cook fish
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove moisture and season with salt on both sides.
- Heat a skillet with a large surface bottom over medium-high heat. (Use a non-stick, a cast-iron skillet, or stainless steel pan, whichever you feel most confident using.) Add avocado or olive oil, about 2 to 3 teaspoons, or enough just to coat the pan.
- Once the pan is hot, place the fish fillets in the pan and cook without touching or moving them for about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a fish spatula, gently flip the fillets to the other side. If the fish is sticking to the pan, give it another minute to cook. In general, fish is ready to flip when it easily separates from the pan.
- Cook on the other side for about 2 minutes. Add to the pan butter and juice of half a lemon. Tilt the pan to one side, and using a spoon, spoon the melting butter and lemon mixture over the fish, repeating several times. Transfer fish to a serving plate and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or dill.
To cook green beans
- In the same hot pan, add green beans. Using a spatula, mix the green beans with the butter and lemon mixture still coating the pan, season with garlic salt or salt and garlic powder. If the green beans appear dry or not coated well, add an optional sliver of butter and ½ lemon to the pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the beans are bright green. Remove to a serving plate and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the fish is fully thawed.
- Pat the fish dry before cooking for a crispy exterior.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding the fish.
- Have all ingredients ready to go before you start cooking, as the recipe comes together quickly.
- You can substitute green beans with asparagus, snow peas, or broccolini.
Kathryn says
Mmmmm... amazing! Anything in a lemon butter sauce is going to be a hit in our house! Thanks, Alla!
Margarita says
Thank you for posting this . I love it . Easy to make . My family loved it too- 9 and 4 year old approved 🙂
Arlene Schmidt says
Excellent! Flavorful, easy to make, great with roasted veggies and risotto. Will definitely be keeping this recipe and making it often. Thank you, Alla!
Alla says
So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for your kind words! Roasted Veggies and risotto sound delicious with it!
Lucy says
Delicious and so simple to prepare!
Alla says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Its a weeknight favorite here too:)
Kasia says
Easy and tasty 😋
Alla says
Kasia, So glad you enjoyed! Thank you for the feedback.
Diana Chen says
It was a great recipe and so easy. Will definitely make this again.
Alla says
Diana, so glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your feedback!
Heather says
We all loved it! Doubled the recipe, served with green beans and spinach ravioli in butter from Costco ☺
Alla says
So happy to hear - Heather! That sounds delicious!
Kimberly A Wilcox says
Very easy and tasty!
Alla says
Thank you for giving this recipe a try! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!