If you are stuck in a salmon rut, you really need to try this fish! Barramundi, an Aboriginal word meaning "large scaled silver fish" thrives in both fresh and salt water. It runs a close second to Wild Coho Salmon in its Omega 3 content--approximately 870 milligrams per 5 oz serving! This fish is sweet, buttery and moist with a texture similar to seabass. Barramundi is also on the "Best Choice" list of the Monterey Bay Aquarium; a watchdog group who monitors ecologically sound fishing, farming and harvesting of fish.

The recipe calls for a scant amount of dressing--just enough to get the Siracha incorporated so you can toss the spinach, juicy grapefruit segments and avocado to coat.

This preparation is so light and refreshing you'll think it is summer!

Preparation Time 40 minutes

Difficulty Moderately Easy

Serves 4

Barramundi

• 4 5-7 oz Barramundi Filet
• Sea Salt
• Freshly ground Pepper
• 4-8 Lemon Wedges
  

Salad

• 2 Cups Baby Spinach
• 2 Grapefruit (pink or red is best) skin and pithe remove, cut into segments
• 2 Avocados, ripe yet firm, cut into large cubes
  
• 2 Tbsp briny Black Olives such as Nicoise or Kalamata; pitted and roughly chopped

• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Siracha sauce
• Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to taste
  

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 400 degress
• Heat a large, oven proof saute pan over high heat on stovetop. Season both sides of Barramundi filets with Sea Salt and freshly ground Pepper
• Add 1 tsp neutral cooking oil such as grapeseed or canola. Heat for 1 minute
• Place Filets plumper side down and cook for 2 minutes, or until golden. Flip filets, and place pan in oven. Roast for about 8-10 minutes, or until fish is cooked through.
• Salad
• While fish is cooking, combine Simple Spicy Dressing ingredients in large bowl. Add Spinach and toss until coated.
• Add Grapefruit Segments, Avocado and Olives and toss until evenly combined.
• Assembly
• Evenly distribute Salad onto 4 plates. Top with fish. Garnish with Lemon Wedge

Wine Pairing Enjoy with a steely Sauvignon Blanc or mineral forward Pinot Gris

-LM