Pan-Seared Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Butter and Garden Peas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared barramundi fillets topped with fragrant lemon myrtle butter, served with fresh garden peas for a light Australian seafood meal. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each barramundi fillets, salt, black pepper 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: 15 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 evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  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 minutes until the skin is crisp, then carefully flip and cook for 2 more minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh lemon myrtle leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking gently for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups fresh garden peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and tender, then drain.
  5. Step 5: Toss the peas with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves and 1/4 tsp salt. Serve the barramundi fillets topped with the lemon myrtle butter alongside the minty peas.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Butter and Garden Peas take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Seared Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Butter and Garden Peas?

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 6 oz each barramundi fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Butter and Garden Peas?

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-Seared Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Butter and Garden Peas 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-Seared Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle Butter and Garden Peas?

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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