In Singapore, sea bass and barramundi are the same fish. It is the Asian sea bass, called ikan siakap in Malay, 金目鲈 or 鲈鱼 in Chinese and gim mak lor in Hokkien. Ours is farmed in saltwater along the straits in Malaysia, so it is in fresh every day. It has a clean, mild taste and is one of the most popular everyday fish here, a safe choice for any family dinner.
Sea bass names
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Sea bass, barramundi, Asian sea bass |
| Malay | Ikan siakap |
| Chinese | 金目鲈, 鲈鱼, 海鲈 |
| Hokkien | Gim mak lor |
Is barramundi the same as sea bass?
Yes. What Singapore markets and menus call sea bass is barramundi, the Asian sea bass. It is a different fish from the Chilean sea bass or the European sea bass you may see on restaurant menus overseas.
Which cut to buy
| Cut | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Whole fish | 450 to 550G | Steaming whole for two or three people |
| Whole large fish | 3 to 4 KG | Families who use everything, cut the way you choose |
| Fillet | Cut from fish of 4 KG and above | Pan frying and steaming, deboned |
| Steak | 500 to 600G | Steaming and pan frying; better value than fillet |
| Tail, belly, head | About 500G, 400G, 800 to 900G | Steaming, grilling, pan frying |
Steaks cost less than fillets only because fewer people ask for fish with a bone in. If you are happy to eat around the bone, a sea bass steak is one of the best value fish at our stall.
Sea bass vs red snapper and grouper
- Sea bass: clean and mild, the no fail choice, best steamed with light soy sauce.
- Red snapper: softer and slightly sweet, a favourite with children. See our snapper guide.
- Grouper: chunkier and firmer, with more bite. See our grouper guide.
How to cook sea bass
- Steamed: steam a whole fish with ginger until the flesh separates easily with a fork, then finish with light soy sauce, spring onion and hot oil.
- Pan seared: score the skin of a fillet, season with salt and sear skin side down until crisp.
- Grilled or baked: whole or as steaks, with lemon and herbs.
We clean and gut every whole sea bass. If you want the fins and tail trimmed or a butterfly cut, add a note at checkout or tell us on WhatsApp.
Order sea bass
Order whole sea bass, fillets or steaks from our Jurong West stall, delivered islandwide Wednesday to Sunday and free for orders over $75. Questions? WhatsApp Xavier.
