Barramundi vs Sea Bass: Differences in Health Benefits, Taste and Cost
Barramundi and sea bass are two types of fish that are commonly found in the ocean.
They are both delicious and two of the most popular fish dishes in the world. But there is quite a bit of difference between barramundi vs. sea bass.
One most distinguished differences between barramundi vs sea bass is the living environment. The barra is a type of fish that lives in fresh and saltwater while sea bass lives in the ocean only.
Also, there are other differences between these two, from the health benefits, taste, and cost.
Barramundi. Credit: canva
We will discuss the barramundi vs sea bass debate so you can make an informed decision about which type of fish you want to eat.
Barra has a mild flavor that pairs well with many different sauces, including barramundi sauce, barramundi curry, or barra tartare.
A kilo of barramundi meat can cost anywhere between $15 to $20 AUD in Australia. A kilo of barramundi fish fillets can be purchased for around the same price as a kilo of chicken breast.
Sea bass is a type of fish that lives in the ocean. They are related to both barramundi and cod, but sea bass grows much larger than either of these types of fish.
Their flesh can be described as “meaty” with a firm texture.
To ensure high-quality sea bass, the fish should be caught while it is in season. This way they are at their best when eaten.
They can’t live too long out of the water and need to be iced down immediately once taken from fresh or saltwater.
Sea bass has a mild flavor that pairs well with many different sauces, including barramundi sauce, barramundi curry, or barra tartare.
In Australia, a kilo of sea bass meat can cost between $40 to $50 AUD. A kilo of seabass fish fillets can be purchased for around the same price as a kilo of beef rib-eye steak.
Sea bass is lower in protein than barramundi, but it is a good source of omega fatty acids and vitamins A, B12, and D.
Gordon Ramsay Cooks Mediterranean Sea Bass in Under 10 Minutes | Ramsay in 10
See more videos below!
What is the Difference Between Barramundi vs Sea Bass?
Sea Bass. Credit: canva
One most distinguished differences between barramundi vs sea bass is the living environment. The barra is a type of fish that lives in fresh and saltwater while sea bass lives in the ocean only.
What are the other differences between barramundi and sea bass? Let’s find out.
Difference in Health Benefits
Barramundi is higher in protein than sea bass and contains omega fatty acids and vitamins B12 and D.
Sea bass is lower in protein than barramundi, but it contains omega fatty acids and vitamins A, B12, and D.
Difference in Taste
There is not a lot of difference in taste between barramundi and australian sea bass. Both types of fish have mild flavors, which makes them versatile enough to be used with many different types of sauces.
Barra has a sweet and mild flavor, and firm texture, that pairs well with many different sauces, including barramundi sauce, barramundi curry, or barra tartare.
Sea Bass Australia has a delicate fish flavor with a subtle undertone of sweetness. The texture of sea bass is medium flaky, which allows for the buttery, moist, and tender meat to be present.
Difference in Cost
Barra can be found for around the same price as chicken breast while sea bass can cost anywhere between $15 to $50 AUD per kilo.
A kilo of barramundi meat can cost anywhere between $15 to $20 AUD in Australia. A kilo of barramundi fish fillets costs the same as a kilo of chicken breast.
In Australia, a kilo of sea bass meat can cost between $40 to $50 AUD. A kilo of seabass fish fillets can be purchased for around the same price as a kilo of beef rib-eye steak.
Cut the fish into large chunks and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place a large pan on medium heat then add one tablespoon of oil, using a paper towel to distribute it evenly.
Add the onion and shallots, and cook for three minutes or until translucent before adding garlic, then paprika and flour.
Cook for a further minute stirring constantly so that no lumps form in the mixture.
Slowly pour in milk while whisking continually from any lumps forming with your fingers (or use an electric mixer). Allow mixture to simmer and thicken before adding barramundi fillets.
Cook barramundi for five minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the pumpkin puree as well as salt and pepper to taste.
Let cook a further three or four minutes on medium heat so that the fish is cooked through.
Finish with two tablespoons of butter (or margarine) mixed through barramundi and serve with rice.
Gavin Forman – Barramundi With Pumpkin Puree and Pickled Onions
FAQs about Barramundi
Where to buy barramundi fish in Australia?
Australian barramundi is available at any major supermarket, fish market, or simply online.
Are there any downsides to eating barramundi?
The only downside to eating barramundi is that it can be expensive. The best place to find barramundi in Australia is at any major supermarket, fish market, or online.
Why sea bass is better than barramundi?
Sea bass is more commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean compared to barramundi. Sea bass is lower in protein than barramundi but it contains omega fatty acids and vitamins A, B12, and D. While barramundi is a saltwater fish, sea bass are not and can be served raw or cooked.
Does barramundi taste like sea bass?
The farmed Barramundi is often compared to other popular fish such as the striped bass, pink snapper, and grouper in terms of taste and flavor profile. It has been found that it also shares a similar omega-3 – 3 content with coho salmon which can make for a healthier choice when picking out your next meal.
What is a barramundi fish similar to?
Farmed barramundi have the same texture and appearance as other white-fleshed fish, but they contain healthy omega-3s. It has about the same amount of these essential nutrients in a coho salmon.
Is barramundi fresh or saltwater?
These fish are interesting because they live in both freshwater and saltwater. They eat almost anything, including other barramundi! Barramundi can consume prey up to 60 percent of their own length which is so cool considering that these fish only grow to be about two feet long on average.
