Pan-Seared Barramundi with Clams & Shrimp

Name: Pan-Seared Barramundi with Clams & Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces barramundi fillets (2 fillets); sea salt (seson to taste); black pepper (season to taste); 16 clams (little necks ); 6 shrimp (21-25 count shell on); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp shallots; ½ tsp garlic; ⅕ tsp crushed red pepper (more or less to taste); tsp Italian parsley (finely chopped for garnish); 1 tbsp red bell pepper (finely chopped for garnish (optional))

5 from 20 votes

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We love seafood at our house and I’m always looking for new types of fish to prepare. Recently I discovered Barramundi at one of my local seafood outlets and thought I’d give it a try, and I must say it was a delicious surprise.

overhead view of a white bowl of barramundi with clams and shrimp

I had some fresh clams on hand and always have a stock of shrimp in the freezer so decided to make a little bit of a combo using shellfish.

Needless to say, it was amazing! You can of course just serve the Barramundi by itself but the broth the clams made while steaming open and the sweet flavor of the shrimp was a perfect complement to the clean, buttery flavor and meaty texture of the Barramundi.

What ingredients do I need to make Pan-Seared Barramundi with Clams & Shrimp?

ingredients to make pan seared barramundi with clams & shrimp

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Pan-Seared Barramundi with Clams & Shrimp. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

Do I have to add Clams and Shrimp to this dish?

No, you don’t. You can leave them out altogether or add mussels, scallops or lobster to the dish as well.

What other fish would work well with this recipe?

Just about any fish, you can think of that can be pan-seared. Some of my other favorites are:

Mahi-Mahi
Red Snapper
Salmon
Halibut
Grouper

How do I make Pan-Seared Baramundi with Clams & Shrimp?

Start by cooking the clams and shrimp.

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic to the pan and saute for 30-60 seconds (don’t let it burn).

Add the clams, shrimp, and crushed red pepper to the pan and cover. Allow the seafood to cook until the clams have steamed open.

seasoned clams and shrimp in a saute pan

When the clams have fully opened (5-7 minutes) the shrimp will be cooked. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley to the pan.

**You can cover the clams and shrimp to keep them warm if the barramundi isn’t ready.

overhead view of 2 filets of barramundi oiled with salt and pepper

Rinse the barramundi fillets, pat dry with paper towels, and season with sea salt and black pepper.

seared seasoned barramundi in a saute pan

Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the hot pan and place the barramundi seasoned side down in the pan.

Let the fish sear for about 2-3 minutes, then gently turn the filets over. Allow the fish to continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Do I have to pan sear the Barramundi?

No, you don’t. You can easily cook the fish in a 350-degree oven for 15-18 minutes (depending upon the thickness of the fish). Use your favorite seasonings to make the dish something you and your family will truly

barramundi and broth in a shallow white bowl

Using a spatula lift the fish out of the pan and place in a bowl or on a plate. Add the broth from the clams into the bowl with the barramundi.

*I like using a bowl because the broth from the clams helps keep the fish moist and adds flavor and it presents really well.

close up of pan seared barramundi with clams and shrimp in a white bowl

Add the clams and shrimp to the bowl and garnish with chopped red pepper and parsley. Add a lemon slice on top of the fish and you have a picture-perfect restaurant-style seafood dish!

Wouldn’t your family and friends be impressed with this easy-to-make and oh so flavorful dish?

Recipe FAQ’s

What is Barramundi?

Barramundi is also referred to as the Asian sea bass. It’s a species of catadromous fish in the family Latidae of the order Perciformes. It’s been a common replacement for Chilean Sea Bass and is found in the Australian, New Guinea waters.

Is Barramundi good to eat?

Barramundi is a mild white fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats, protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, sodium, and potassium. These fish also seem to have a relatively low content of harmful chemicals like mercury and PCBs

What does Barramundi taste like?

Barramundi is a mild-tasting white fish. It has a clean, buttery flavor with a succulent and meaty texture. It offers a silky mouthfeel and delicate skin that crisps perfectly when seared.

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overhead partial view of a white bowl of barramundi with clams and shrimp

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5 from 20 votes