Mediterranean Style Barramundi Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean-style barramundi recipe is a delightful way to enjoy flaky, tender fish bursting with vibrant flavors. Enhanced with cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil, it offers a perfect balance of savory and zesty notes. It’s a simple yet elegant dish ideal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 5-oz barramundi fillets (thawed if frozen)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large red onion (sliced into thin half moons)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup olives (pitted; a mix of black and green is recommended)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges for serving)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (cut into ribbons; divided)
• 1/3 cup feta cheese (diced or crumbled; optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the barramundi fillets dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place two fillets, presentation side down, in the pan and sear for 2 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Step 3: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 1 to 3 minutes until golden on the other side and the internal temperature reads 135-140°F (57-60°C). Remove the fillets to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat this process with the remaining two fillets.
4. Step 4: Add the unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Add the sliced red onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and start to brown.
5. Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, lemon juice, and half of the fresh basil ribbons. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and begin to pucker.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked fish fillets to the pan. Spoon the tomato and olive mixture over the fish. Serve garnished with the remaining fresh basil, crumbled feta cheese if using, and extra lemon wedges for squeezing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of dry white wine when cooking the tomatoes and olives.
• If you prefer less salt, reduce the olives or omit the added salt since olives are naturally salty.
• Swap barramundi with another firm white fish like cod or sea bass if unavailable.
• Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can be used alongside basil for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover barramundi and the tomato-olive sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop to avoid drying out the fish, or warm briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen barramundi fillets for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure the best texture and even browning.

What temperature should the fish be cooked to?

The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C) for perfectly cooked, tender fish. Use a food thermometer for accuracy.

Mediterranean Style Barramundi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Mediterranean-style Barramundi recipe features tender, seared fish fillets cooked to perfection and topped with a vibrant, flavorful sauce made from cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, and a hint of lemon juice. Enhanced by sautéed red onions and garlic, and optionally garnished with feta cheese, this dish offers a beautiful balance of freshness and richness that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 5-oz Barramundi fillets (thawed if frozen)
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter

Vegetables and Flavorings

• 1 large Red onion (sliced into thin half moons)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup Olives (pitted; mix of black and green recommended)
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges for serving)
• 1/2 cup Fresh basil (cut into ribbons; divided)

Optional Garnish

• 1/3 cup Feta cheese (diced or crumbled)

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Instructions

1. Season the Fish: Pat the barramundi fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with sea salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
2. Sear the Fish: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place two fillets, presentation side down, into the pan and sear for 2-4 minutes until a golden brown crust forms.
3. Flip and Cook Through: Turn the fillets over and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes, until the second side is golden and the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F (57-60°C). Remove the cooked fillets to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining two fillets.
4. Sauté Onions: Add unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Add the sliced red onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and begin to brown slightly.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Make the Sauce: Add cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, lemon juice, and half of the fresh basil ribbons to the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to pucker, melding the flavors together.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the seared fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the tomato and olive mixture over them. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil ribbons, crumbled feta cheese if desired, and extra lemon wedges for squeezing at the table.

Notes

• Ensure the fish is thawed completely if using frozen to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness of the fillets to avoid overcooking.
• Pitted olives can be substituted with your preference of olives, but a mix of black and green offers a balanced flavor.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity in the sauce.
• Feta cheese is optional but adds a classic Mediterranean tang and creaminess.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Barramundi, Mediterranean recipe, seared fish, cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, lemon, feta cheese, healthy seafood