If you're looking for a flavorful and healthy weeknight dish that can be made in less than 30 minutes, this Healthy Asian Glazed Oven Baked Barramundi recipe is for you.
The secret to this barramundi recipe is in the sauce.
The umami-rich miso, combined with the sweet and nutty rice wine, tangy rice vinegar, and aromatic garlic and ginger, creates a delicious blend of flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinners to another level.
What does barramundi taste like?
Barramundi is also known as Asian sea bass and has a mild and buttery taste.
The flesh of this fish is tender and delicate, easily flaking apart to reveal its succulent texture.
The flavor of barramundi is subtle and pairs well with a wide array of ingredients, making it a versatile choice for creating delicious seafood dishes.
Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, barramundi is easy to cook and is a great introduction to fish for those who don't like seafood.
What you need for this flavorful sauce
Red Miso
Red miso is a fermented soybean paste that is rich, savory, and full of umami flavor.
I'm a huge fan of using miso in my recipes because it is such an easy way to add a great depth of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with tomato products, as in this tomato miso pasta recipe.
Its robust flavor is a perfect base for the glaze, providing a depth and richness that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
What if I don't have miso?
You can use either red or white miso in this recipe. If you don't have miso, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of tahini to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Shaoxing Cooking Wine
Shaoxing cooking wine, also known as Shaoxing rice wine, is a Chinese rice wine that adds a distinct aroma and depth of flavor to various dishes.
In the miso glaze, Shaoxing cooking wine complements the umami notes of the miso and contributes to the overall complexity of flavors. It helps balance the savory and sweet elements of the glaze, creating a well-rounded taste profile.
What if I don't have Shaoxing cooking wine?
If you don't have shaoxing cooking wine, you can use dry sherry or additional mirin.
Mirin
Mirin is a sweet rice wine that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a low alcohol content and a unique sweetness derived from the fermentation of rice.
Mirin adds a delicate sweetness to the miso glaze, balancing the savory and salty flavors. Its subtle sweetness helps to mellow the intensity of the miso.
What if I don't have mirin?
If you don't have mirin, you can create a substitute using white wine and sugar. Mix one part of white wine with one part of water and add a small amount of sugar to sweeten the mixture. Heat the mixture in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves, and then let it cool before using it in your recipe.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar, made from fermented rice, brings a tangy and slightly acidic note to the miso glaze.
The mild acidity of rice vinegar helps balance the flavors and adds a pleasant tang that complements the natural sweetness of the dish.
What if I don't have rice vinegar?
You can substitute rice vinegar with other acidic agents, such as lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or ume plum vinegar.
Fresh Garlic and Ginger
Freshly grated garlic and ginger are two classic aromatic ingredients used in Asian cooking.
Together, they infuse the glaze with a hint of zing and enhances the overall flavor complexity to addd depth and character to the miso glaze.
What if I don't have fresh garlic and ginger?
You can substitute with powdered garlic and ginger if the fresh variety is unavailable.
Barramundi nutrition:
This fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for tissue repair and growth.
It is also low in saturated fat and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, known for their heart health benefits and potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Barramundi is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and potassium.
Where to purchase barramundi (USA)?
Here are a list of common grocery stores in the United States that sell Barramundi, either in its fresh or frozen variety.
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe's
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Safeway
- Kroger
- Publix
- Wegmans
- H-E-B
- Harris Teeter
- Giant Food
- Albertsons
- Food Lion
- Meijer
This sauce goes great on..
If you don't have barramundi, this sauce works great with all of these other fish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
- Salmon
- Chilean Seabass
- Red Snapper
- Walleye
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Grouper
- Monkfish
- Halibut
- Pollock
- Ling
- Emperor
- Striped bass
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
- While barramundi works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other white fish varieties like cod or halibut.
- Can I make the miso glaze in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the miso glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to whisk it well before using.
- Can I grill the barramundi instead of baking it?
- Absolutely! Grilling the barramundi will add a smoky flavor to the dish. Simply brush the fillets with the miso glaze and grill them over medium heat until cooked through.
- Is barramundi a sustainable choice of fish?
- Yes, barramundi is considered a sustainable fish choice as it is responsibly farmed and has a low environmental impact.
- Can I freeze the leftover barramundi?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftover barramundi in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Is barramundi similar to Chilean sea bass?
- Yes, barramundi and Chilean sea bass are similar in some ways. Both fish are known for their delicate and buttery flavor, as well as their moist and tender texture.
Asian Glazed Oven Baked Barramundi
Ingredients
- 2 barramundi fillets
- 2 tablespoons red miso
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red miso, shaoxing cooking wine, mirin, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. This will create the miso glaze that will infuse the barramundi with its delicious flavors.
- Place the barramundi fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Generously brush the miso glaze over each fillet, ensuring they are coated evenly. Reserve some of the glaze for basting during the cooking process.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking sheet with the barramundi fillets inside. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.
- While the barramundi is baking, you can take the opportunity to prepare any accompanying side dishes or garnishes.
- Once the barramundi is beautifully baked, remove it from the oven. Baste the fillets with the remaining miso glaze for an extra burst of flavor and shine.
- Serve the Asian Glazed Oven Baked Barramundi on a platter or individual plates. You can garnish it with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal and texture.
- Accompany the barramundi with your choice of side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice or a medley of stir-fried vegetables make excellent complements to this flavorful fish.
Notes
Nutrition
If you're intimidated by cooking fish, this Asian Glazed Oven Baked Barramundi is the perfect recipe that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors.
With just a few simple steps, you will have a flavorful and healthy dinner in less than 30 minutes.
If you love easy weeknight dinners, you'll love these next recipes.
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