Pan-Seared Barramundi with Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Sauce

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

A delicate pan-seared barramundi fillet enhanced by native Australian spices with a tangy lemon myrtle cream sauce. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) barramundi fillets, ground wattleseed, lemon myrtle powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 barramundi fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp ground wattleseed, 1 tsp lemon myrtle powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the fillets skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets gently and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove fillets and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 finely chopped shallots, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and shallots are translucent.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and more lemon juice if desired.
  8. Step 8: Serve the barramundi fillets drizzled with the lemon myrtle sauce and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Barramundi with Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Barramundi with Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Barramundi with Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Sauce?

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 Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Sauce 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 Wattleseed and Lemon Myrtle Sauce?

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.

Related recipes