Hailing from the great rivers of Thailand and Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia, the Basa fish has made a name for itself globally for being incredibly delectable and nutritious at the same time.
Moreover, Basa fish is typically found and cultivated year-round and quickly grows to its adult size in a few months.
They are also quite easy to breed, making owners spend the minimum breeding cost each year.
We can say that all these attributes, combined with its availability across all countries, add up to why it is one of the most popular choices of fish to be consumed in recent times.
But if you’ve never tasted a Basa fish before, and you’re wondering, “What does Basa fish taste like?” You’ve come to the right learning spot.
Easily figure out what Basa fish is, what they taste like, and how to properly cook and serve this delectable fish by reading through our article.
What is Basa Fish?
Suppose you were looking for a direct answer.
In that case, the Basa fish belongs to the species of catfish.
It has many names like the Vietnamese cobbler, pangasius, river cobbler, or known by its full original scientific name Pangasius Bocourti.
This catfish has a really heavy and fat body and comes in a very bright color.
Surprisingly enough, the average adult Basa fish grows up to approximately forty-seven inches in length.
Moreover, due to their availability and low maintenance cost, they are sold for quite a cheap rate.
The Basa fish is transported to various countries, yet some might wonder if it is actually a Basa fish and not a Swai.
Since the Basa and Swai have uncanny similarities, most people wouldn’t know the difference until they taste both.
Regardless, the Basa fish is known to have plenty of health benefits associated with it.
Some of these health benefits include aiding in weight loss or maintaining weight since they are a great source of protein and healthy fats, making sure your immune system is in tip-top shape, lowering cholesterol, and more.
What Does Basa Fish Taste Like?
You now know what exactly is a basa fish and all the hype surrounding its nutritious meat, but join us as we delve deeper into its taste profile.
In the eyes of a mere fish eater, the Basa fish would be considered similar to a haddock or quite identical to a Cod.
Since all these fishes fall into the same category, white fish, we’re not surprised.
However, if you’re asking a seafood enthusiast, you’d get a better response on why Basa fish is similar yet have a more distinctive taste.
It has lighter skin than most white fishes or just fish in general and is a little bit fattier than a myriad of fishes, making it quite versatile as well.
But moving straight into its taste profile, the Basa fish has gained quite the popularity for having a distinct mild flavor, combined with a slight natural sweetness, courtesy of its high protein content and gentle fishiness.
You wouldn’t call the lenient fishy aftertaste as gamey since it’s not up on the higher levels of a scale, but it does give you that awareness that you’re eating fish.
However, it also might depend on the way you cook it.
In addition, much like Haddock or Cod, the Basa fish is equipped with a flaky and firm yet extremely tender texture after it is cooked, and it’s not as boney when compared to most.
How to Cook and Serve Basa Fish?
It’s easier to perfectly cook and serve Basa fish when you’re familiar with its taste profile.
So now that we’re clear on what to expect regarding its taste and flavor, here’s what you need to do to have the perfect meal.
Basa fish has that perfect texture for most types of cooking.
You can choose to pan-fry it; all you need is a couple of ingredients to make it taste scrumptious.
Since the fish has that slightly sweet and mild flavor, you do not need a lot of ingredients.
After it is cooked to perfection, serve it with some sides and a dipping sauce, and have yourself an incredible Basa fish-eating experience.
However, you can also grill it or bake it with your favorite choice of vegetables and seasonings.
But one thing to remember is that most of these fish have health risks.
Since farmers use various chemicals to keep the fish fresh or kill bacteria, it is important to wash them properly and only eat them after it is perfectly cooked.
Conclusion
Basa fish is distributed, eaten, and celebrated globally for their nutritious benefits and mouth-watering taste and flavor.
But looking deeper into it, the Basa fish has gained quite the popularity for being inexpensive compared to other white fishes like Cod, all the while having similar texture and taste profile.
So if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative, you’ve found the right one.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of AmericasRestaurant.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.