How to Choose Fresh Fish: What to Look for in Barramundi

Whether you are shopping at a wet market, supermarket, or online seafood store, choosing fresh fish can be tricky especially if you’re not sure what to look for.

When it comes to barramundi, a popular white fish known for its mild taste and flaky texture, freshness is everything. A good fillet makes the difference between a clean, buttery bite and a dry, bland disappointment.

So, how do you know you are getting the best?

In this guide, we will teach you exactly how to choose fresh barramundi, whether it is whole or in fillet form, so you can enjoy clean and high-quality seafood every time.

🐟 Why Freshness Matters in Barramundi

Barramundi (also called Asian sea bass) is delicate and mildly flavored. That makes freshness even more important, because:

• The fresher it is, the sweeter and cleaner it tastes

• Older fish can develop a fishy odor or mushy texture

• Fresh barramundi has a firmer structure, perfect for pan-searing, grilling, or steaming

Freshness also preserves more of the omega-3s and nutrients barramundi is known for.

🧠 5 Signs of Fresh Barramundi (Whole Fish)

If you are buying whole barramundi, here are the top signs to look for:

✅ 1. Clear, Glossy Eyes

• Bright, bulging, and shiny eyes are a sure sign of freshness

• Cloudy or sunken eyes mean the fish has been out of water too long

✅ 2. Firm, Bouncy Flesh

• Press the side of the fish gently it should bounce back

• If the flesh leaves a dent, it is likely not fresh

✅ 3. Bright Red Gills

• Flip the gill cover and check inside gills should be vibrant red or pink

• Brown or dull gills indicate aging

✅ 4. Mild Ocean Smell

• Fresh fish should smell clean, like seawater

• Avoid anything with a sour or ammonia-like odor

✅ 5. Moist, Shiny Skin

• Scales should be tight and intact

• Skin should appear glossy, not dull or dry

🔪 What About Barramundi Fillets?

If you are buying barramundi fillet (especially online), use these tips:

✅ 1. Color

• The flesh should be white with a slight pinkish hue (not gray or yellow)

• If vacuum-packed, the color should still look natural and not discolored

✅ 2. Texture

• It should feel firm and slightly springy — not mushy or slimy

• Avoid fillets that feel watery or too soft

✅ 3. Smell

• Fresh fillet should have a neutral or mild ocean scent

• If it smells fishy or sour, it’s past its prime

✅ 4. Packaging

• Vacuum-sealed fillets help retain freshness and prevent contamination

• Check for packaging date or harvest date if available

Buying from trusted sources helps ensure you get fish that was harvested and packed properly.

 

🛒 Where to Buy Truly Fresh Barramundi in Singapore?

Looking for fresh, locally farmed barramundi that is harvested just before delivery?

👉 Order Our Fresh Barramundi Fillet (320g – 2 Pieces)

At The Fish Farmer, our barramundi is:

• Sustainably raised in Singapore’s open sea waters

• Antibiotic- and hormone-free

• Vacuum-packed and delivered fresh, not frozen

• Delivered islandwide within 24 hours of harvest

 

📦 Why Locally Sourced Barramundi Is Fresher

When you buy local barramundi, you’re getting:

• A shorter supply chain (less time from harvest to delivery)

• Lower risk of temperature abuse during transport

• Fish that’s farmed under strict quality control standards

Imported fish may be frozen and thawed multiple times, which affects both taste and nutrition.

 

🍽️ Bonus: How to Store Fresh Barramundi at Home

• Keep it chilled at 0–4°C in the fridge (not the freezer)

• Use within 3–5 days for best taste

• If storing longer, vacuum-sealed barramundi can be frozen and still retain good quality