Barramundi

What Is Barramundi?

Barramundi is a fish species (Lates calcarifer) living in the tropical-subtropical waters of Australia and Southeast Asia. Its name comes from a word in an Australian Aboriginal language meaning "large-scaled river fish".

An interesting biological feature is its ability to move between fresh and salt water throughout its life cycle; young individuals live in rivers, while maturing ones may migrate toward the sea. Its meat is white, moderately fatty, and has a mildly sweet-buttery taste.

Nutritional Values of Barramundi

100 grams of cooked barramundi contains approximately 114 kcal of energy; it contains high protein and omega-3 fat. Values are approximate.

How Should Barramundi Be Consumed?

Barramundi, with its high protein and omega-3 content, can be considered part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; barramundi is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Barramundi?

A good barramundi fillet is one whose color is white-ivory, whose smell is mildly oceanic, and whose texture is firm-moist. Ones with a sharp smell or a yellowish-dull color are not preferred.

• Color should be white-ivory
• Smell should be mild and fresh
• Texture should look firm and moist

How Is Barramundi Stored?

Fresh barramundi should be consumed within 1-2 days from the refrigerator; well-packaged, it can be stored in the freezer for 3-6 months.

Using Barramundi in the Kitchen

Barramundi is most often cooked with its skin on until crisp, grilled, baked, or pan-fried; steaming with ginger-soy sauce is also common in Australian and Southeast Asian cuisine.

Is Barramundi Skin Eaten?

Yes; since its fat content is moderate, its skin can be pan-fried until crisp and eaten, a presentation style favored in Australian cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are barramundi and sea bass the same fish?

No; they are different species but are close in appearance and texture, which is why barramundi is sometimes also called "Asian sea bass".

Why can barramundi live in both fresh and salt water?

Its physiology has developed to adapt to both fresh and salt water; this flexibility allows it to spread across a wide range in its natural habitat.

Is barramundi available in Turkey?

It is not common; it can be found frozen and imported at some gourmet fish sellers.