Basa fish are a kind of freshwater fish found in the Mekong Delta area.
It’s also known as basa or Vietnamese pangasius, and it’s excellent.
This blog article will go over what basa fish tastes like, how it looks when raw or cooked, what sorts of meals to match it with when cooked, and more.
Contents
What exactly is Basa Fish?
Basa fish, also known as Pangasius, is a kind of fish found in Southeast Asian waters.
It is a popular form of seafood in Vietnam and other Asian nations such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
This fish is available at many supermarket shops, including Walmart and Kroger.
It is a whitefish that may grow to be 12 inches long on average, although some have been known to grow to be two feet long.
Several species may live for almost 20 years, making them one of the longest-living freshwater fishes.
They are available whole or as skin-on fillets.
It may be found in the wild or on farms, however it is usually sold as a cultivated product.
Since basa skin is thin, this fish may quickly dry up if served wrong.
As a result, you should avoid cooking it at high heat.
The major reason for this fish’s appeal is its low cost, making it a popular option for home cooking and fishing in general.
Basa Fish Nutritional Advantages
The low calorie content of basa fish is a significant advantage.
Basa contains roughly 158 calories per serving, making it a decent choice for persons on weight-loss regimens or who wish to limit their caloric intake in general.
Because of the relatively high protein level, this lean meat will not make you fat and may be part of a balanced diet.
Another significant advantage of basa fish is its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which includes DHA and EPA.
These acids are vital for children’s brain development because they help the immune system operate and reduce inflammation levels.
Basa also contains additional B vitamins, such as niacin, which may help the neurological system work correctly.
Basa fish is also a wonderful choice for those on kosher or halal diets.
Basa’s nutritional qualities make it an ideal option for those searching for a healthier alternative to red meat.
For each recipe, basa is available in both frozen and fresh forms.
How Does Basa Fish Taste? Is Basa Fish Delicious?
Basa fish are a kind of catfish native to Southeast Asia.
The flesh of basa fish has been characterized as light in color and firm, making it perfect for frying or baking.
The taste profile differs based on the producing area.
Basa fish, for example, has a moderate flavor in Thailand, but it is regarded as having an oceanic flavour with overtones of fresh water and earthiness in Japan.
Basa fish has a texture comparable to cod and tilapia, but it lacks the characteristic flavor of other forms of white fish.
The taste has also been characterized as somewhat salty with a hint of sweetness, which might be ascribed to the high protein content of this variety of fish.
Basa is often fried in a light bread crumb and flour combination, which aids in the formation of an outside crust for the fish.
It is then baked with a coating of mayonnaise on top, which elevates the taste profile while also providing moisture to keep it wet while cooking.
Basa fish may be eaten alone or with a dipping sauce after cooked.
How Do You Prepare Basa Fish?
Basa is widely available in markets and supermarkets, making it simple to get fresh or frozen basa for cooking.
To begin cooking basa fish, prepare your materials by chopping the veggies and making any sauces you want to use.
Next, heat the pan or grill to medium-high heat and add the oil.
Put your basa fish on your preferred cooking surface (pan, grill) and cook for approximately three minutes each side, or until it is browned with crispy edges.
To absorb extra oil, place the grill on a plate lined with paper towels. Lastly, remove it from the pan.
Serve your plated basa fish with your choice of sauce, such as soy sauce or pesto-based sauces.
Basa fish is best cooked with a little salt and sugar.
You may also add your favorite sauce to prevent a dry and bland flavor.
Lemon and pepper, salt and cracked black pepper, and cajun spice are some frequent spice pairings.
How Do You Choose Basa Fish?
There are a few things to check for when purchasing fresh basa fish.
The first thing that comes to mind is the fragrance and feel of the skin.
If you notice any bad scents or it feels slimy, avoid purchasing that specific piece of fish.
Next, examine the eyes to see whether they have become opaque and if there are any visible symptoms of degeneration.
The flesh should be solid but not hard or waxy to the touch.
When held up to light, the color should seem natural, with some fluctuation in hue and a transparent glow emanating from under the skin (a sign that its fresh).
If you want to be sure this fish is fresh, check for a best by date on the container or consult local fishmonger.
Where Can I Get Basa Fish?
You may be wondering where to get Basa fish now that you’ve arrived.
This, as well as many other varieties of Asian seafood, may be found at your local shop or marketplace.
Basa is a kind of catfish that is native to Southeast Asia but is also found in North America.
For their substantial texture, they have a remarkably mild taste.
It is very simple to prepare and may be fried or boiled.
Basa fish is very prominent in Vietnamese cuisine.
If you are unsure where to acquire Basa fish in your area, go to your local Asian store; they will have the finest assortment of frozen foods from all across Asia.
If you’re fortunate, you could even find it fresh.
How Do You Keep Basa Fish?
The freezer is the best place to keep Basa fish.
You may store it frozen for up to six months without losing quality or taste.
The temperature also reduces bacterial development, which aids in the prevention of food illness and spoilage.
Wrap your basa meat snugly in plastic wrap and seal it with an elastic band if you wish to keep it outside the freezer.
Label the package so you know what’s inside when you take it out of storage.
Conclusion
To summarize, basa fish is not the most popular fish in the world, but it is still an excellent choice if you are seeking for a new fish.
It’s great with rice, soy sauce, and ginger, or as a soup.
The flesh is white and flaky, with a delicate taste from the fish itself.
Eating basa fish may be an unusual experience, so give it a go at least once.
FAQs
Does basa taste the same as tilapia?
Basa fish has a texture comparable to cod and tilapia, but it lacks the characteristic flavor of other forms of white fish. The taste has also been characterized as somewhat salty with a hint of sweetness, which might be ascribed to the high protein content of this variety of fish.
Why is basa so cheap?
Basa is believed to be cheap because it grows quickly, is readily picked, and is processed in facilities close to the farm. The ability to deliver the fish to market without having to maintain a fleet of fishing boats helps to keep the price down.
Is basa better than catfish?
Basa is a Vietnamese catfish with a gentler taste and more delicate texture than our native Channel Catfish, making it more palatable to folks who do not generally like catfish. Basa are juicy, sweet, and mildly flavored, with soft white meat that flakes more than Channel Catfish.
Do basa fillets smell?
Another benefit of basa is that it does not stink, which puts it in a good category. Indian sea fish, such as mackerel and kingfish, are less bony than fresh water versions yet smell more strongly.
Why is basa so gross?
Fish imported from Vietnam, such as basa, have been discovered to violate drug residue limits and to carry potentially harmful microorganisms. To reduce the risk of food illness, always ensure that basa is well cooked before consuming it.
Is basa very fishy?
Its flesh is light and solid, with a mild fish taste akin to cod or haddock. In reality, it’s often marketed and utilized as boneless fish fillets. Basa, like other white fish, is low in calories and high in high-quality protein.
What are the disadvantages of basa fish?
Basa is a kind of catfish that, unlike other types, can withstand harsh environmental conditions. It is more likely to host poisons in its body due to its intrinsic survival instinct and capacity to absorb nutrients even from polluted waters.
Is basa fish healthier than tilapia?
Basa, like other catfish, are high in protein but not as lean as tilapia and other low-fat fish. Basa may still be a healthy addition to your diet, however various cooking techniques will affect the nutritional features.
Which fish is better basa or salmon?
The EPA content of sea bass ranges between 0.1 and 1.2 grams per 100 grams of fish. Salmon, on the other hand, is believed to have 0.8 grams per 100 grams. Hence, in terms of omega 3 concentration, cold water wild salmon is a far better option.
Is basa and swai the same fish?
It goes by a plethora of various names. Swai is also known as Vietnamese catfish (though it is not a catfish), iridescent shark (also not a shark), and basa (which is deceptive, since basa is actually a different species). It’s also known as tra hypophthalmus, sutchi hypophthalmus, and pangasius hypophthalmus.
