Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon-Garlic Butter
Experience Australia's iconic native fish, pan-fried to achieve irresistibly crispy skin. Barramundi, found in tropical waters, is a cornerstone of Australian seafood cuisine, elevated here with a simple yet flavourful lemon-garlic butter sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 200g each Barramundi fillets (skin-on)(Ensure fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking. Look for bright, clear eyes and firm flesh if buying whole fish.)
- 2 tbsp Neutral cooking oil (e.g., vegetable, canola, grapeseed)(A high smoke point oil is ideal for achieving a good sear.)
- 30 g Unsalted butter(Adds richness and helps brown the fish and aromatics.)
- 1 Lemon(Cut in half for juicing and wedges for searing/garnish.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely chopped for infusing the butter.)
- small handful Fresh dill or parsley(Finely chopped for garnish. Dill is particularly complementary to fish.)
- to taste Sea salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper or native pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Remove barramundi fillets from the refrigerator approximately 20 minutes before cooking. Allowing the fish to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking. While the fish rests, prepare your other ingredients: mince the garlic, chop the herbs, and cut the lemon in half. Pat the fish fillets thoroughly dry on all sides with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin, as excess moisture will steam the skin instead of crisping it.
⏱️ 20 minutes (resting and prep) - 2
Using a sharp knife, carefully score the skin of each barramundi fillet in a crosshatch pattern or parallel lines, about 1 cm apart. Be sure to cut only through the skin and the thin layer of fat beneath, without cutting into the delicate flesh. This scoring helps prevent the skin from curling during cooking and allows fat to render, contributing to crispiness. Season the flesh side of the fillets generously with sea salt.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Place a large, non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and heat until it shimmers and a drop of water sizzles instantly upon contact. The pan needs to be sufficiently hot to create an immediate sear on the fish skin.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Carefully place the barramundi fillets into the hot skillet, skin-side down. Immediately press down gently on the top of each fillet with a fish spatula for the first 30 seconds. This ensures the entire skin makes contact with the hot pan, preventing curling and promoting even crisping. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. You'll notice the flesh changing color from translucent to opaque as it cooks up the sides. Listen for a consistent sizzle; if it quiets down, your heat may be too low. The skin should release easily from the pan when it's perfectly crisp.
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 5
Gently flip the fillets using a spatula. Add the butter, minced garlic, and lemon halves (cut-side down) to the pan. As the butter melts and foams, tilt the pan and use a spoon to continuously baste the fish with the fragrant, foaming butter for 2-3 minutes. This adds flavour and helps finish cooking the fish gently. The garlic should become fragrant but not burn.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 6
The barramundi is cooked when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout, but still moist. Avoid overcooking. For precision, the internal temperature should reach 60°C (140°F). Remove the fish from the pan and let it rest for 1 minute before serving.
⏱️ 1 minute (resting) - 7
Serve the barramundi immediately, skin-side up to showcase the crispy skin. Spoon the lemon-garlic butter sauce from the pan over the fish. Squeeze some of the charred lemon juice over the top and garnish generously with fresh chopped herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with classic Australian sides like 'chips' (fries), a fresh green salad, or steamed native greens.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The drier the fish skin, the crispier it will become.
- ✓Resist the urge to move the fish while the skin is crisping; let the pan do the work.
- ✓A consistent sizzle indicates the pan is at the optimal temperature for searing.
- ✓Using native pepper can add a unique, authentic Australian flavour profile.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavour, add a splash of white wine to the pan after flipping the fish and let it reduce before basting.
- Incorporate thinly sliced ginger and a dash of soy sauce during the basting stage for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Consider serving with a side of mango salsa for a tropical flavour combination.
- If you prefer a different cooking method, whole barramundi can be roasted or grilled.