Barramundi is one of the most popular fish among Australians for good reason. The flaky meat is quite easy to cook and forgiving of novice cooks. For the confident cook, as well as the one who has never pan-fried a fillet, this fish is a safe choice.
This guide covers both sides of the search. The first side is the guides to buying and cooking barramundi fillets. The second side is for people who want the shortest route to avoid cooking today. This option is covered by our Fish Fillets Drayton range and the Barramundi Meal Deal ($16.90), which includes barramundi, chips, and a can of drink.
Why Barramundi Is So Easy to Get Right
The name comes from an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “large-scaled river fish,” and this fish has been on Australian menus for a long time. Partially, the fish’s appeal is how it behaves when it is cooked. Here the fish’s mild and slightly sweet taste is appreciated. This fish has a firm and flaky texture that doesn’t overpower a dish. It’s also a very good fish for first time fish cooks because it holds its shape well and is not likely to fall apart before it is placed on a serving plate.
Barramundi Fillets: Where to Find Them
You can find barramundi in most places you would expect to find fish in major Australian supermarkets. It is usually found in the seafood or frozen sections. If you want to buy frozen barramundi fillets, then this is convenient to have on hand if you don’t plan on cooking it on the same day as buying it since they conveniently thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
You should use fresh fillets within a day or two of buying, whereas frozen fillets can stay in your freezer to be enjoyed on a quiet Tuesday a few months down the line! If you don’t feel like going shopping, then our Barramundi Meal Deal is a great way to save on both time and fridge space!
Skin-On or Skinless: What’s the Difference?
Barramundi can become fillets with or without the skin, and the type you buy usually correlates to the type of cooking you plan on doing. Skin-on fillets crisp slightly more when fried and help hold the fillets together while cooking, so people tend to buy these when making a meal that needs to be fried.
When making a meal that doesn’t need crispy skin, then skinless fillets can be used to make a meal easily! Neither type is less healthy than the other; it’s just a matter of what you are planning to make and the type of skin you would like.
What’s In a Barramundi Fillet
Barramundi is a good midweek dinner option, as it is flavourful and also has its benefits nutritionally; this fish has a good source of protein and has omega-3 fatty acids like most other types of fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be good for your heart and brain. They even say that most types of fish would be a step towards a healthier heart and brain.
Barramundi, however, is safer to eat on a more frequent basis than a few other larger predatory fish because it seems to have less mercury, but this is kind of general information. Fish on the menu at your favourite restaurant or the fish you find weekly at the grocery store shouldn’t replace a professional opinion from a doctor or dietitian when it comes to food for you and your family’s needs.
How to Safely Defrost and Handle Barramundi Fillets
Barramundi often has a lower mercury content than other fish and is safe to eat more than once a week. If you decide to pick up frozen barramundi from your local grocer, there actually is a safe way to cook it so that you are less likely to get food poisoning. From a food safety standpoint, you should never really leave fish out on the kitchen counter to defrost because the exterior of the fillet can reach room temperature before the centre does. From a food safety standpoint, you should never really leave fish out on the kitchen counter to defrost because the exterior of the fillet can reach room temperature before the centre does.
After fish is thawed, you should try to eat it within a maximum of two days, so please do not eat previously defrosted fish that has been frozen.
Barramundi Fillets Near You: Not Just Supermarket Fish
You’ll often find better quality fish at a local fish market or even Costco, who sometimes stock bulk frozen barramundi, which could work out cheaper the bigger your family is.
But if what you want is something you can eat straight away rather than having to prepare and cook yourself, that’s a different question entirely. And it’s one we’re built to answer directly, since our menus offer a wide range of seafood and fish options, including barramundi, that you can order directly from us without making a supermarket run first.
Cooking Methods Compared
Here’s how the main cooking methods stack up, so you can pick whichever one suits your evening.
| Method | Approx. Time | Approx. Temp | Best For |
| Oven-baked | 12–15 minutes | 200°C | Hands-off cooking, skinless fillets |
| Pan-seared | 5–7 minutes total | Medium-high heat | Crispy skin, quick weeknight meals |
| Air fryer | 8–10 minutes | 180°C | Minimal oil, easy cleanup |
| Grilled (BBQ) | 4–6 minutes per side | Medium-high heat | Outdoor cooking, smoky flavour |
However you cook it, the fish is done once it changes from translucent to opaque white and can easily be pulled apart.
Oven-Baked Barramundi
This method requires possibly the least amount of cooking skill of all the methods, plus it’s super easy. Preheat the oven to around 200°C. Season your fillets with a dash of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. That’s it! Pop the fillets into the oven and leave them in there for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet (thinner fillets will take less time). Once you’re done, add a quick squeeze of lemon and enjoy.
Searing for Crispy Skin
This method really shows off the skin-on barramundi fillets. Skin side down, in a pre-heated non-stick pan over medium-high heat, place the fillets, and maintain the ‘don’t touch’ rule for 3-4 minutes so the skin actually has time to crisp up. Flip and nuke for another 2 minutes, and you’ll have skin-on fillets that are texturally both pleasing and juicy, which is pretty much all it takes for a good barramundi fillet.
The Quick and Easy Weeknight Method: Air Fryer
This tool is a lifesaver when you’re pressed for time with dinner. Set your air fryer at 180°C. Give your fillets an oil mist and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Having the fillets done in under 15 minutes will be a big win on the time front for a busy weeknight.
This method works particularly well with skinless fillets, which is lucky because that’s what you’re probably going to be using anyway. Since you don’t achieve the deglazing step in the pan, there’s really no way to get that crisp finish (which is a shame). Throw it in the oven for 10 minutes or so to clean the least dirty kitchen in the world (trust us, you’ll appreciate it during the long lockdown), and voila! Dinner is served, and it probably took less time than it would have for you to order takeout.
A Few Simple Ways to Flavour Barramundi
Because of barramundi’s mildness, flavour combinations are almost limitless. A squeeze of lemon, with a generous helping of either parsley or dill, and a small pat of butter to let everything melt together once out of the oven. You can’t go wrong there.
For a more punchy flavoured approach, make a soy, garlic, and ginger marinade – quick and simple to throw together so you can pan-sear or grill the fish right before dinner. For an approach to fish and chips, brush a little bit of oil on the fish, then add a light coating of breadcrumbs. Sprinkling on a rub of paprika, garlic, and chilli, then throwing it in the oven, is a quick way to achieve a classic take on Cajun-inspired fish.
Common Mistakes That Dry Out The Fish
There’s never a shortage of joy that people get by learning that overcooked fish sucks, so we’re going to give you a heads up on this one. Barramundi cooks quickly. Unlike some other fish, going only a little too far can cross that line from being moist to being dry and nasty.
Pat-dry your fish before pan-searing. Leaving moisture means steam, and steam means skin won’t brown. Also avoid flipping midway through the process, as it slips the skin from the pan.
Seafood newbies rejoice! Barramundi is fairly tame in the flavour game and is a good choice to practise your seafood cooking. This fish is easy to cook and has been known to bring new cooks to seafood cooking confidence because of its easy timing and preparation.
Skip the Chopping and Cooking Yourself
Not every night is a prepare-meals night, but our $16.90 Barramundi Meal Deal with chips and drink is good to go when you don’t want to take the time to prepare a meal but also don’t want to order takeout.
For those wanting to spend a little more and add some freshness to their meal, try our Garden Salads Drayton and add it with your meal. For bigger groups, also take a look at our Seafood Basket packs.
Want to know more about allergens or dietary requirements? Get in touch with us via the Contact Us page, as the preparation and ingredients vary from dish to dish.
Conclusion:
Barramundi is very forgiving when it comes to cooking, as it can be baked, pan-seared, or cooked using the air fryer. If cooking is not what you are thinking about tonight, our Barramundi Meal Deal will satisfy your craving for barramundi without any cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best method to cook barramundi fillets?
The easiest – hands-off – method to cook skin off fillets is by baking, and the crispiest skin on fillets is pan seared. The fish is done if it flakes easily, no matter how you cook it.
How long does it take to cook barramundi fillets in the oven?
Skin off fillets at 200°C; take 12-15 minutes to bake. Skin on fillets takes longer because the skin takes a while to become crisp. Adjust your time accordingly if you’re not sure.
Is it better to have barramundi with skin on or skinless?
It depends on how you like to cook your fish. Skin-on fillets are good for searing, but skinless fillets are good for baking, curries, and stews.
Can I cook skinless barramundi fillets in the same way as skin-on?
Although you generally can, skinless fillets are better suited to baking in the oven, cooking in curries or stews, etc. This is because there is no skin to crisp up, and it’s not there to hold the flesh together.
Can I buy barramundi fillets at Costco?
Frozen barramundi in larger sizes is available at stores such as Costco. This is a good and cost-effective way to buy barramundi if cooking for many people.
Do you sell state-ready-to-eat barramundi?
We do. Our Barramundi Meal Deal ($16.90) is available for order for pick up or delivery, containing a bag of chips and a soft drink with barramundi ready to eat.