Macadamia-Crusted Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Vinaigrette
Pan-seared barramundi with a crunchy macadamia nut crust, served with a bright lemon myrtle vinaigrette. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs x 5 oz barramundi fillets, macadamia nuts, finely chopped, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.
Ingredients
- 4 x 5 oz barramundi fillets
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Set up a dredging station with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper in one shallow dish, 2 beaten large eggs in a second, and 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts in a third.
- Step 2: Season 4 barramundi fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge each fillet first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally press into the macadamia nuts to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the coated fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily.
- Step 4: While the fish cooks, whisk together 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until emulsified and bright.
- Step 5: Plate the macadamia-crusted barramundi and drizzle with the lemon myrtle vinaigrette immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia-Crusted Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Macadamia-Crusted Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Vinaigrette?
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 x 5 oz barramundi fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Vinaigrette?
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 Macadamia-Crusted Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Vinaigrette 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 Macadamia-Crusted Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Vinaigrette?
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.