HOW TO PREPARE BARRAMUNDI.

Barramundi is a delicious and versatile fish native to Australia and Southeast Asia, known for its mild flavor and firm texture. Here’s a simple and tasty way to prepare barramundi:

Pan-Seared Barramundi with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 barramundi fillets (about 6-8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Barramundi:

• Pat the barramundi fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

1. Heat the Pan:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

1. Sear the Barramundi:

• Place the barramundi fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, without moving them, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If the fillets are skinless, cook on one side for 3-4 minutes until nicely seared. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.

1. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

1. Deglaze the Pan:

• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice. Stir gently, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.

1. Finish the Dish:

• Return the barramundi fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over them. Add capers if using. Cook for another minute or two, gently spooning the sauce over the fillets, until the fish is heated through.

1. Serve:

• Transfer the barramundi fillets to serving plates. Spoon the remaining lemon butter sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

1. Enjoy:

• Serve the pan-seared barramundi immediately while hot. It pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Variations: You can add sliced cherry tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for extra color and flavor.
• Skin-on vs. Skinless: If you prefer not to eat the skin, you can easily remove it after cooking. Alternatively, cook skin-side down first and then gently remove the skin before serving.
• Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fillets may require a bit longer to cook through.

Pan-seared barramundi with lemon butter sauce is a delightful dish that highlights the natural flavor of this versatile fish. Enjoy its delicate taste and tender texture with this simple yet elegant preparation method!