Basa Fish
Indian Fried Basa
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Basa fish is sometimes sold as River Cobbler or Catfish.
It is a mild white fish much like cod or haddock. It's a lot cheaper as well.
There has been some controversy surrounding it - in the UK, it's been passed off in shops as cod and people have been prosecuted for that.
You can buy it fresh or frozen in most supermarkets and it's extremely versatile. You can substitute it for any white fish in a recipe.
At the bottom of this page, are links to many more basa recipes - check them out.
This recipe is delicious served with the cool yoghurt dressing and some spicy vegetable rice.
It cooks very quickly - you could cut the basa into strips if you prefer before frying.
As always, any firm white fish will do for this recipe.
Basa fish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It's a good source of protein while being low in calories. Additionally, it's rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health, and provides important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12 and Selenium.
Indian Pan Fried Basa
- 4 medium basa fillets
- 1 egg - beaten
- 4 tbspns plain flour
- 3 tspns garam masala
- 1 tspn chilli powder
- 1 tspn ground cumin
- 1 tspn ground coriander
- Oil for frying
Yoghurt Dressing
- 1 tub natural yoghurt
- 1/2 cucumber - diced
- handful freshly chopped mint
Mix together the yoghurt, mint and cucumber and leave in the fridge whilst you prepare the fish. The water from the cucumber will slightly thin the yoghurt during this time.
Combine the flour and spices and put them on a plate.
Dip the fillets in the egg and then coat thoroughly with the spiced flour mix.
Heat the oil in a pan - you want it quite hot - a piece of bread should float immediately when dropped it, then it's ready for the basa.
Add the fish and fry about 2 - 3 minutes either side.
Serve immediately with the dressing and some spicy rice.
*Spicy Rice*
Add some curry paste or powder (you decide on the strength) to the water when you boil your rice - add some frozen peas or mixed vegetables for the last five minutes and you have perfect spicy vegetable rice.
I use about two tablespoons of curry paste to two large mugs of rice - but I like my food spicy, so you might need to experiment with the amount of paste you use - start with one tablespoon and if it's not spicy enough, add a bit more.
This makes a good side to go with any indian dish - it's a variation on one of my favourite dishes - tomato rice.
Nutritional Information:
Basa fish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It's a good source of protein while being low in calories. Additionally, it's rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health, and provides important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12 and Selenium.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations:
It's essential to consider the sustainability of the fish you eat. Basa is predominantly farmed in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia. Look for certifications such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) label to ensure you're purchasing responsibly farmed fish.
Taste and Texture:
The taste of basa fish is mild and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for those who find fishy flavors overwhelming. Its texture is firm yet flaky, providing a satisfying bite that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods.
Health Considerations:
While basa fish is generally safe to eat, it's crucial to source your fish from reputable suppliers. There have been concerns about contaminants in some farming operations in the past. Ensure you’re purchasing your basa from a trusted supermarket or supplier.
How to Select and Store Basa Fish:
When buying basa, look for fillets that are firm, moist, and free of any strong odors. If purchasing frozen, ensure the fish is solidly frozen and free of frost or freezer burn. Store fresh basa in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use it within two days. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer.
Basic Cooking Tips:
Basa fish is incredibly versatile. Apart from frying, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, grill it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or steam it for a similar period until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Any white fish recipe that you normally use, will be fine for basa.
You may also like these recipes
There's more recipes at these links - but also, use the search box at the top of the page as there are many more recipes scattered in amongst the various categories, stews, casseroles and others.
Some of the links on this site include affiliate links, providing Find-a-Seafood-Recipe a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you.
Basa Fish
By Liz Alderson,
Basa fish with a spicy indian coating, pan fried and a minty yoghurt dressing - so delicious and you can use this coating with any fish you like, fillets or goujons..
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Yield: 4
Main Ingredient: basa, garam masala, chilli, cumin
Subscribe to Seafood Recipe News - complete the form below.
Your email address is secure and will *only* be used to send Seafood Recipe News. When you confirm your subscription, you will be taken to a page where you can access your free eCourse. Complete the form and it will arrive over the following five days.
