How to Cook Barramundi – 5 Easy Recipes
4 min read

Barramundi is a versatile, mild, and buttery white fish that pairs well with a variety of flavors. Whether you prefer it crispy, flaky, or tender, barramundi is easy to cook at home with just a few ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ The best cooking methods for barramundi
✔️ 5 easy barramundi recipes (grilled, baked, air-fried & more)
✔️ Tips to get crispy skin and perfect texture
Let’s get started!
1️⃣ Pan-Seared Barramundi with Garlic Butter 🧄🔥
✔️ Best for: Crispy skin & restaurant-quality flavor
✔️ Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 barramundi fillets (skin-on)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ lemon (for juice)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Pat the fillets dry with paper towels (this helps get crispy skin).
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Place the fish skin-side down and press lightly for 30 seconds.
4️⃣ Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
5️⃣ Flip the fillet, reduce heat, and add butter & garlic to the pan.
6️⃣ Spoon the melted butter over the fish for 1-2 minutes.
7️⃣ Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and serve with parsley.
📌 Pro Tip: The key to crispy skin is starting with a dry fillet and a hot pan!
2️⃣ Baked Barramundi with Lemon & Herbs 🍋🔥
✔️ Best for: Easy, healthy, hands-off cooking
✔️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
2 barramundi fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt & pepper
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Place barramundi fillets in a lined baking dish.
3️⃣ Drizzle with olive oil & lemon juice.
4️⃣ Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper evenly.
5️⃣ Add fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
6️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, until fish flakes easily.
7️⃣ Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
📌 Pro Tip: For extra moisture, cover with foil while baking!
3️⃣ Grilled Barramundi with Chili-Lime Glaze 🌶️🔥
✔️ Best for: Summer BBQs & smoky flavors
✔️ Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 barramundi fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp chili flakes
1 tsp soy sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
2️⃣ In a small bowl, mix lime juice, honey, chili flakes, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3️⃣ Brush the marinade over the fish and let sit for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Place the fillets on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side.
5️⃣ Serve with extra lime wedges and grilled veggies.
📌 Pro Tip: Use a fish grilling basket to prevent the fillets from breaking!
4️⃣ Air-Fried Barramundi (Crispy & Healthy!) 🍽️✨
✔️ Best for: Quick, low-oil cooking
✔️ Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
2 barramundi fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt & black pepper
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Pat fillets dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper.
3️⃣ Place fillets skin-side up in the air fryer basket.
4️⃣ Air-fry for 7-8 minutes, until golden and crispy.
5️⃣ Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or quinoa.
📌 Pro Tip: Flip fillets halfway through for even crispiness!
5️⃣ Asian-Style Barramundi with Soy & Ginger 🍜🌿
✔️ Best for: Light & flavorful meals
✔️ Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 barramundi fillets
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp green onions, chopped
½ tsp sugar
Instructions:
1️⃣ Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Sauté ginger & garlic for 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Add barramundi fillets and cook for 3 minutes per side.
4️⃣ Pour in soy sauce & sugar, simmer for 1 minute.
5️⃣ Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over steamed rice.
📌 Pro Tip: Serve with a side of sautéed bok choy for an authentic Asian touch!
Final Thoughts: Which Barramundi Recipe Will You Try First?
Barramundi is an easy-to-cook, mild, and delicious fish that works in grilled, baked, or pan-seared dishes.
✔️ Want crispy skin? Try pan-searing or air-frying.
✔️ Love bold flavors? Go for the grilled chili-lime or Asian-style recipe.
✔️ Prefer a simple, healthy meal? Baked barramundi is the best option.
📌 Want More Recipes? Try our 5-Star Barramundi Recipe Collection!