This elegant yet simple dish features tender barramundi fillets seared to golden perfection, then drizzled with a luscious lemon basil butter sauce. Paired with crunchy almond-topped green beans and velvety mashed potatoes, it’s a complete meal that feels special any night of the week.
The bright flavors of lemon and basil complement the mild, flaky fish beautifully, while the green beans amandine add a delightful nutty crunch. Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of sour cream round out the plate for a satisfying dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.
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Recipe details
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Dice potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Place in a medium pot with enough salted water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 10-15 minutes. Reserve 1 cup potato cooking liquid, then drain and return potatoes to pot. Cover to keep warm.
- While potatoes cook, trim green beans if necessary. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Quarter lemon.
- Toss green beans on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, half the garlic, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack for 10 minutes. Once green beans have roasted 10 minutes, remove sheet from oven. Carefully sprinkle almonds over green beans. Return to top rack and roast until green beans are tender and almonds are browned and fragrant, 2-5 minutes more.
- While green beans roast, pat barramundi dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add barramundi, skin sides down and cook until skin is crispy, 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook until barramundi is opaque and cooked through, 2-3 minutes more. Turn off heat; transfer to a plate. Wipe out pan and let cool 2 minutes.
- To pot with potatoes, add sour cream and mash until smooth and creamy, adding splashes of reserved potato cooking liquid as needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in pan used for barramundi over medium-low heat. Add basil paste, remaining garlic and juice from one lemon wedge. Cook, whisking constantly, until fully incorporated and warmed through, 1-2 minutes.
- Divide mashed potatoes, barramundi and green beans amandine between plates. Drizzle basil sauce over barramundi and serve with any remaining lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Tips
For extra crispy fish skin, make sure the fillets are patted very dry before seasoning.
Reserve more potato cooking liquid than you think you need; it helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Toast the almonds just until fragrant to avoid burning; they continue cooking from residual heat.
FAQ
Can I use a different fish instead of barramundi?
Yes, you can substitute barramundi with other firm white fish like sea bass, cod or halibut. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter alternative and omit the sour cream or use a plant-based sour cream. The mashed potatoes may need extra liquid.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, but note that the fish may lose some crispiness.

























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