Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle and Roasted Beetroot Salad
A fresh Australian coastal dish featuring pan-fried barramundi seasoned with native lemon myrtle, served alongside a roasted beetroot and rocket salad. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 60 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) barramundi fillets, lemon myrtle powder, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 fillets (6 oz each) barramundi fillets
- 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium (about 500g), peeled and quartered beetroot
- 4 cups rocket leaves
- 100 g, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup, roughly chopped toasted macadamia nuts
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 3 medium peeled and quartered beetroot (about 500g) with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 35-40 minutes until tender and edges caramelize.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, pat dry 4 barramundi fillets (6 oz each). Season both sides with 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the barramundi fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil to make a dressing.
- Step 5: In a salad bowl, combine 4 cups fresh rocket leaves, roasted beetroot, 100 g crumbled feta cheese, and 1/3 cup toasted chopped macadamia nuts. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Step 6: Plate the pan-fried barramundi alongside the roasted beetroot salad and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle and Roasted Beetroot Salad take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle and Roasted Beetroot Salad?
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 lemon myrtle powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle and Roasted Beetroot Salad?
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 Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle and Roasted Beetroot Salad 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 Pan-Fried Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle and Roasted Beetroot Salad?
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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