30 beautiful barramundi recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cooking method for barramundi? ›

Pretty much any method from pan frying to steaming works well with this fish. Barramundi's mild taste and medium/high fat content make it not only versatile, but also hard to burn. So, if you're not used to cooking fish, this is a great one to start with.

Is barramundi healthier than salmon? Salmon and barramundi are both great options as part of a healthy lifestyle! While barramundi has half the calories of Atlantic farmed salmon, both fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in brain and heart health.

Internationally, barramundi are also known as Asian sea bass, giant perch, or giant sea perch. Barramundi have not always had such an iconic name in Australia, and were once known as Asian sea bass. In the 1980's, barramundi was appropriated for marketing reasons.

Does Barramundi contain mercury? The Better Fish^® Barramundi has consistently tested below detectable limits for mercury (average of 0.02 ppm). The levels allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is 1 ppm. Wild-caught and farm-raised Barramundi contain different mercury levels due to their very different diets.

However, the best time to land a Barra, is during the wet season, from November to mid-May. The dry season, which lasts from mid-May to mid-August, isn't as productive. If you want to get the most out of your hunt, then hitting the water from March to May is your best bet.

The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

But you may be surprised to know that more than 60 per cent of the barramundi served here is imported. The dark truth is that, in order to save costs, many restaurant operators serve barramundi farmed in south-east Asia under the guise of Australian – it's cheaper as a result of less regulation.

Bottom feeder, live at the bottom of the water. Found at about 10-40 metres underwater.

“Barramundi is Just About Perfect” — Time Magazine

But while tilapia are more sustainable than many other fish because they're vegetarians, they lack the high amounts of omega-3 oils that make salmon so heart-healthy.

What does barramundi taste similar to? ›

What Does Barramundi Taste Like? Barramundi has a silky, buttery, rich, sweet flavor. It has white, medium-firm flesh. It is similar in flavor and texture to sea bass, snapper, and sole.

Barramundi is a round fish – similar to Wild Sea Bass. Barramundi are generally farmed in freshwater and available with Global Gap certification. As Barramundi is a farmed fish, it is generally available all year round. Alternatives to Barramundi would be Sea Bass.

Barramundi is High in Key Nutrients

It is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in our brain and heart health. In order to meet the recommended omega-3 requirements for a healthy heart and brain power, eat Aussie barra at least once or twice a week.

The best way to determine if fish has gone bad is to smell it. If the fish smells sour or spoiled, throw it out. If the fish has a mild ocean smell, it's likely safe to eat—but if you aren't certain, there are other signs you can look for. For example, it's bad fish if it appears or feels slimy and/or has a dull color.

Species of fish that are long-lived and high on the food chain, such as marlin, tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish contain higher concentrations of mercury than others.

Today, the more traditional Australian take on barramundi involves a similar technique: Wrap it in paperbark, a native plant that lends a smoky flavor. Add in lemon, herbs, and macadamia nuts for more flavor. Then throw it over some hot coals, or “on the barbie,” as Aussies like to say.

Barramundi is low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great source of essential nutrients. Some consider barramundi one of the healthiest seafoods. This fish is great for your cardiovascular system. ‌Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is an excellent start to a healthier lifestyle.

While fish can sometimes be tricky to get right, the barramundi is very forgiving, no matter what cooking method you are using. Its skin naturally holds in moisture, reducing the chance of overcooking and drying out the flesh.

Wild barramundi has a great flavour and texture, but you must take care when cooking it, as it is a really dense-fleshed fish that needs to be cooked through.