Basa fillets are a type of whitefish that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor profile and flaky texture, not unlike cod or haddock. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook Basa fillets in 2 different ways.
1. How To Cook Basa Fillets in Oven
Ingredients
- 2 Basa fish fillets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 lemon slices
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the fish from sticking.
Pat the Basa fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, sweet paprika, dried basil, salt, and lemon juice. Stir well to create a marinade.
Brush the marinade over both sides of the Basa fish fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then place two lemon slices on top of each fish fillet.
Bake the fish in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Carefully transfer the Basa fish fillets to serving plates. Squeeze additional lemon juice over the fish if desired.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, if desired.
2. How To Cook Basa Fillets on Stove ( Pan-Fried Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 Basa fish fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Season the Basa fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Place the floured fish fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Then remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.
Return the cooked Basa fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Cook for an additional minute or two, gently swirling the skillet to coat the fillets with the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the Basa fillets to serving plates, spooning the sauce over them. You can garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Now, you know how to cook Basa fillets perfectly at home. So the next time you have a frozen package of basa on hand, use one of these easy methods above to enjoy this mild, affordable fish for dinner.
