Barramundi Fillets Pan-Seared with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and flaky barramundi fillets pan-seared with fragrant lemon myrtle, finished with a tangy finger lime butter sauce. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 barramundi fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder evenly over the skin side.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip the fillets and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Baste the fish with the melted butter and garlic for 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp finger lime pearls, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley into the butter sauce.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the finger lime butter sauce over the fillets and serve immediately with steamed greens or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Barramundi Fillets Pan-Seared with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Barramundi Fillets Pan-Seared with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Barramundi Fillets Pan-Seared with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Barramundi Fillets Pan-Seared with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Barramundi Fillets Pan-Seared with Lemon Myrtle and Finger Lime Butter?

Australian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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