Basa fish is a type of freshwater fish that can be found in the Mekong Delta region.
It’s also called “basa” or Vietnamese pangasius, and it tastes delicious.
In this blog post, we will discuss what basa fish tastes like, what it looks like when they are raw or cooked, what types of food to pair them with when you cook them, and more.
What is Basa Fish?
Basa fish, also known as Pangasius, is a fish that lives in the oceans of Southeast Asia.
It is one of the most consumed types of seafood eaten in Vietnam and other countries such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
This fish can be found in many grocery stores such as Walmart and Kroger.
It is a whitefish that can grow to an average of 12 inches, but some have been known to reach up to two feet long.
Some species are also capable of living for more than 20 years, making them one of the longest-living freshwater fishes.
They are sold whole or as fillets with the skin on.
It can be found in the wild or farm-raised, but it’s typically marketed as a farmed product.
Basa skin isn’t very thick, so if prepared incorrectly, this fish may dry out easily.
For that reason, you’ll want to avoid cooking it at high temperatures.
The main reason for the popularity of this fish is that it’s very affordable, making it a popular choice for home cooking and fishing in general.
Nutritional Benefits of Basa Fish
A key benefit of basa fish is its low-calorie content.
One serving of basa has about 158 calories, which makes it a good option for people who are on weight-loss diets or want to watch their caloric intake in general.
This relatively high protein content also means that this lean meat will not make you fat and can be part of a healthy diet.
Another key benefit of basa fish is its high omega-three fatty acid content, including DHA and EPA.
These acids are important for brain development in children and aid the body’s immune system function and lower inflammation levels.
Basa also has other B vitamins, including niacin, that can help keep the nervous system functioning properly.
Basa fish is also a good option for people who are following kosher or halal diets.
The nutritional benefits of basa make this meat an excellent choice for people looking for a healthy alternative to red meat.
Basa can be found in both frozen or fresh options for any dish.
What Does Basa Fish Taste Like? Does Basa Fish Taste Good?
Basa fish is a type of catfish that comes from Southeast Asia.
The flesh of basa fish has been described as light in color, and it has a firm texture which makes it ideal for frying or baking.
The flavor profile varies depending on the region of production.
In Thailand, for example, basa fish has a mild flavor, while in Japan, it is described as having an oceanic taste with notes of fresh water and earthiness.
The texture of basa fish is similar to cod and tilapia, but it does not have a distinctive taste like some other types of white fish.
The flavor has also been described as being quite mild in saltiness with an added sweetness which can be attributed to the high levels of protein found in this type of fish.
Basa is typically fried in a light bread crumb and flour mixture that helps to create an outer crust for the fish.
It is then baked with a layer of mayonnaise on top, elevating the flavor profile and adding moisture to help keep it moist during cooking.
Once cooked, basa fish can be enjoyed as is or with a dipping sauce.
How to Cook Basa Fish?
Basa can be found in many markets and supermarkets, which means it’s easy to purchase fresh or frozen basa for cooking purposes.
To cook basa fish, first prepare your ingredients by slicing the vegetables and preparing any sauces you want to use.
Next, heat the pan or grill to a medium-high temperature and add oil.
Place your basa fish on the cooking surface of your choice (pan, grill) and cook for about three minutes per side until it is browned with crispy edges.
Finally, transfer it from the pan/grill onto a plate lined in paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve your plated basa fish with the sliced vegetables and sauce of choices, such as soy sauce or pesto-based sauces.
It’s best to cook basa fish with a little salt and sugar.
You can also use the sauce of your choice to avoid a dry and bland taste.
Some common spice combinations are lemon and pepper, salt and cracked black pepper, or cajun spice.
How to Choose Basa Fish?
When buying fresh basa fish, there are a few things to look for.
The first thing is the smell and texture of the skin.
If you can detect any unpleasant odors or it feels slimy, then it’s best not to purchase that particular piece of fish.
Next, take a close look at whether the eyes have turned opaque and any obvious signs of decay.
The flesh should be firm to the touch but not hard or waxy.
The color should look natural, with some variation in hue and a translucent glow coming from underneath the skin when held up against light (a sign that it’s fresh).
If you want to make sure that this fish is fresh, you can either look for a ‘best by date on the package or ask your fishmonger.
Where to Buy Basa Fish?
Since you’re here, you might be wondering where to buy Basa fish.
You can find this and many other types of Asian seafood at your nearest local stores or marketplace.
Basa is a type of catfish native to Southeast Asia – but you’ll also find it in North America.
They have an incredibly mild flavor for their meaty texture.
It’s also easy to cook and can be fried or boiled.
Basa fish is popular in Vietnamese cuisine as well.
If you’re not sure where to buy Basa fish locally, check out your local Asian market – they’ll have the best selection of frozen foods from all over Asia.
You might even find it fresh if you’re lucky.
How to Store Basa Fish?
The best way to store Basa fish is in the freezer.
When you freeze it, you can keep it for up to six months without losing quality or flavor.
The temperature also slows down bacterial growth, which helps prevent food poisoning as well as spoilage.
If you plan to store your basa meat outside the freezer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and seal it with an elastic band.
Make sure you label the package so that you know what’s inside when you pull it out of storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, basa fish is not the most popular fish globally, but it is still a good option if you are looking for an alternative for a different fish.
It is best served with rice, soy sauce, and ginger or in soup form.
The meat is white and flaky, while the fish itself has a delicate flavor.
Eating basa fish can be an interesting experience, so it’s worth your time to try it at least once.
What Does Basa Fish Taste Like? Does Basa Fish Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Basa fish
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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