If you’ve been craving a restaurant-worthy seafood dish you can toss together in under 30 minutes, look no further than this Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce. Succulent barramundi fillets nestle into a skillet alongside juicy, blistered cherry tomatoes and a buttery garlic sauce kissed with fresh basil and a splash of white wine. Every bite is light yet satisfyingly rich—a perfect harmony of delicate fish, vibrant tomato, and herbaceous notes. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a weeknight upgrade, this colorful Mediterranean-inspired meal guarantees a burst of flavor and comfort with very little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture—nothing fussy, just honest ingredients that work magic together. Freshness really shines here, so try not to skip or substitute unless you have to.
- Olive oil: Delivers a beautiful sear on the barramundi and adds subtle richness to the dish.
- Barramundi fillets: This mild, flaky white fish is perfect for soaking up all those incredible skillet flavors—plus, it’s sustainable and easy to cook.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, indispensable for seasoning the fish just right and boosting every other ingredient.
- Unsalted butter: Brings creaminess and depth to the tomato garlic sauce, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic quickly infuses the butter, giving the sauce a bold, aromatic base.
- Cherry tomatoes: When halved and blistered, these add a burst of juicy sweetness and gorgeous color to your skillet.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick and a little extra excitement, add as much or as little as you like.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, creating a savory, slightly tangy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil sprinkled at the end adds vibrant color and a fresh, herbal finish.
- Lemon wedges: Squeeze over just before serving for brightness that lifts every flavor on the plate.
How to Make Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Season the Fish
Start by patting your barramundi fillets dry with paper towels—this helps them get that irresistible golden sear. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy here, since the fish is mild and can really benefit from proper seasoning at this stage.
Step 2: Sear the Barramundi
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and, when shimmering, add the seasoned fillets. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side; you want a deep, golden crust and fully cooked flesh that flakes easily with a fork. Once they’re done, transfer the fillets to a plate and tent with foil to keep them warm.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Butter Sauce
In the same skillet (yes, keep all those delightful browned bits!), reduce to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until the kitchen smells heavenly but before the garlic browns. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and, if you like a bit of heat, those crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to burst, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth. This will loosen any caramelized flavor from the bottom of the pan while adding body to your sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced. The tomatoes should be tender and saucy, ready to cradle your cooked barramundi.
Step 5: Return Fish and Finish with Basil
Carefully nestle the barramundi fillets back into the skillet, spooning the luscious tomato butter sauce all over the top. Let everything cook together for just another 1 to 2 minutes, warming the fish through and allowing flavors to meld. Turn off the heat, scatter fresh chopped basil all over, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
How to Serve Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce
Garnishes
This dish loves a flourish of freshness at the end—a shower of chopped basil and a squeeze of lemon over each fillet really makes the Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce sing. For extra color, scatter a few reserved raw cherry tomato halves or add a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
It’s hard to beat something that soaks up all that sauce. Try fluffy rice, buttered couscous, or al dente pasta to truly savor every drop. If you crave more vegetables, a simple arugula salad or steamed asparagus pairs beautifully without stealing the spotlight from your Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone serve themselves. If you’re aiming to impress or hosting friends, plate each fillet atop a small mound of herbed couscous, spoon over extra sauce, and finish with basil chiffonade for that “wow” effect. Individual cast iron mini-skillets add a rustic-chic touch for special occasions, making the Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce the center of attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer cooled fillets and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days, though the fish is always at its best right after cooking.
Freezing
For optimal texture, freezing is not recommended for finished barramundi fillets, as they may become dry or rubbery when reheated. However, you can freeze the tomato butter sauce separately for up to a month. Simply thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before serving over freshly cooked fish.
Reheating
To reheat, place the barramundi and sauce in a skillet over low heat, spooning sauce on top and adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Cover and warm gently until the fish is just heated through—this helps it stay tender and juicy rather than overcooked.
FAQs
Can I substitute another fish for barramundi?
Yes! Cod, halibut, or tilapia all work wonderfully in the Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for thicker or thinner fillets as needed.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Absolutely. Chicken broth makes a great swap and still creates a savory, complex sauce. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! A handful of baby spinach or a sprinkle of olives stirred into the sauce is delicious and adds even more Mediterranean flair to your Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce.
What should I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is unavailable, try using fresh parsley or chives for a burst of herbal flavor. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but the bright, vibrant taste of fresh is really special in this dish.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to double-check your choice of chicken broth or serving sides if you’re avoiding gluten due to sensitivity or allergies.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that deliver impressive flavor with minimal fuss, this Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce will fast become a favorite. It’s a joyful blend of delicate fish, fragrant herbs, and buttery-tomato goodness that never fails to win over a table. Try it just once, and you’ll find yourself craving that skillet magic again and again!
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Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender barramundi fillets cooked in a garlic basil tomato butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Fish:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 barramundi fillets (about 6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the barramundi fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and wine. Simmer and return fish to the skillet.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon sauce over fish, cook briefly, sprinkle with basil, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over rice, couscous, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
- Try cod, halibut, or tilapia as substitutes for barramundi.
- Enhance with spinach or olives for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
