How to Cook Barramundi Fish - A Nutritious Super Food

 If you haven't tried Barramundi, you're not alone.  Until I saw a health show on television, I had never heard of it. Liking what I learned in just a few minutes, I decided to research the facts on this fish. What primarily drew me to this fantastic fish, was finding that it contains zero mercury. It is also listed as one of the top "super foods" for nutrition.

The Barramundi, hails from the coast of Australia. It is full of heart- and brain-healthy omega-3s and the white meat is light, flaky and delicious.

It is also known as Asian Sea Bass, Barra, Giant Perch and Palmer Perch. If you are a fish lover, you haven't lived until you have discovered the sweet, clean taste of barramundi.

 Serving Size - 4 oz.

calories 110                          calories from fat 15

total fat   1.5 g

saturated fat  5 g                   trans fat    0g

cholesterol  75mg

sodium       40m

total carbohydrate   0g

dietary fiber  0g

protein 23g

Farmed barramundi averages one to two pounds and, in the U.S., they are raised without hormones, colorants or antibiotics. (A feature which pleases me).

U.S. conservation groups recommend avoiding imported, farmed barramundi.  Currently, there is only one commercial U.S. barramundi farm, located in Western Massachusetts. This facility purifies and recycles 99 percent of its water, and has almost no discharge of solids or nutrients leaving the farm.

Whether you steam, grill, fry or bake barramundi, it lends itself beautifully to a variety of flavors like garlic, lemon, shallots and parsley because of its sweet, mild flavor .

Here is one of many recipes for a quick and easy main dish.

Lemon Butter Barramundi

Gather up the following ingredients:

Four barramundi fillets (skin on or off)

2 Tbsp. butter

1 small clove of garlic, minced

½ tsp. sea salt

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

4-6 leaves of fresh basil, minced

Rinse fillets and pat dry with paper towel.

Rub fillets with canola or olive oil.

Sautee on high heat for 3 min. skin side up

Flip and cook for 1 more minute – serve

To make the Sauce

Sautee garlic and butter in skillet for 2 minutes – add salt, basil and lemon juice

Remove from heat and spoon over fillets. Serve immediately

I like to serve my fish with broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower) and a side of cinnimon applesauce.

One thing is for sure.  If you're looking for healthy food and longevity, you will want to include Barramundi in your diet.

Enjoy!