This Easy Baked Basa recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under an hour for a healthy, nutritious lunch or dinner. Basa fish steaks are smothered in spicy marinade and baked to flaky perfection. Serve this fish dish with Air Fryer Potatoes, Jamaican Rice and Peas, or a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad to balance the meal.
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Baked Basa Recipe
Basa fish, also known as river cobbler, is a species of catfish highly prized for its bland flavor and tender, flaky texture. What makes it perfect for this oven-baked Basa fish recipe is its ability to soak up the flavors of whatever spices you toss it with.
Thanks to being high in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and nutrients and low in calories, it's a healthy alternative to other white fish varieties, making it an ideal choice for those looking to include more lean protein in their diet.
If you're a seafood lover, you may also want to check out my seafood boil in a bag recipe.
Baked Basa Fish Ingredients
Basa Fish – I used fresh bone in Basa steaks for maximum flavor, thickness and juiciness, however, fillets are also an option.
Soy Sauce and Hot Sauce – Soy sauce Adds umami flavor and a slight saltiness, while hot sauce imparts a spicy kick to the marinade.
Honey or Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the marinade's spiciness and acidity.
Garlic Paste or Minced Garlic Cloves – Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings in a bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the Basa fish.
Cooking Oil – A little cooking oil goes a long way when making a baked Basa recipe. Everyone wants baked fish to be super moist, and cooking oil ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from drying out.
Bell peppers—When served on a platter with bell peppers, they add sweetness and a crunchy texture and enhance the visual appeal of this baked Basa fish.
Onion – Provides a sweet and savory flavor that caramelizes when baked.
Spices and Herbs—A simple blend of pantry spices and herbs elevates this Baked Basa recipe from ordinary to exceptional. Salt amplifies the base flavors, black pepper contributes warmth, paprika lends a sweet, smoky flavor, and fresh thyme introduces an earthy, herbal essence. Lastly, fresh parsley delivers lively, vibrant flavor and color.
How to Make Easy Baked Basa Fish
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line the baking sheet or dish with the onion, bell pepper, and lemon slices. Rub them together so the lemon releases juice.
- Prepare the Marinade
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Marinate the Fish
Pour the marinade all over the fish and rub it until it's well-coated.
- Arrange and Bake
Place the fish on the peppers and onions in the oven's middle rack. Bake at 400℉ for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish steak, until it's flaky. Mine was thick. It baked for 30 minutes; check it often so it doesn't dry out.
- Serve
Remove the fish from the oven, transfer it to a plate, and drizzle some of the sauce all over it. Remember to serve it with the baked peppers and onions.
Recipe Tips
Adjust the Heat: If you can't tolerate too much heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it altogether to make a milder version of crispy baked Basa fish.
Fish Alternatives: If Basa is unavailable, substitute it for other white fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi.
Frozen Basa Hack: If using frozen Basa, thaw and drain it, then pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Extra Veggies: To make it a super nutritious, wholesome meal, add more vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the baking dish.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: If you don't have fresh thyme or parsley, use dried herbs instead; however, fresh ones are recommended for an authentic flavor.
Prevent Overcooking: You definitely don't want to end up with a chewy, dried basa fillet, so avoid overcooking at all costs. The fish should be flaky and tender when done.
Storing Leftovers: You can store leftover Basa fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days. When ready to use, reheat in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQ’s
Is Basa Fish Healthy?
Yes, Basa fish is low in calories and fat and an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.
How Do I Know When the Fish is Done?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
Other Fish Recipes You May Like
Baked Basa Fish
Basa fish steaks are smothered in spicy marinade and baked to flaky perfection
- Baking Dish
- 1 kg Basa Fish Steak (about 5-6 fish steaks)
- 1` tablespoon Soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon Garlic paste (or mince 3 garlic cloves)
- 1½ tablespoon Hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Blackpepper
- 2 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ tablespoon Honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme (finely chop)
- 2 teaspoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup Cooking oil
- 1 whole Bell pepper (sliced)
- ½ large Onion (sliced)
- ½ lemon (sliced)
Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line the baking sheet or dish with the onion, bell pepper, and lemon slices. Rub them together so the lemon releases some juice.
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
Pour the marinade all over the fish and rub until it's well-coated.
Place the fish on the peppers and onions in the oven's middle rack.
Bake at 400F for 15- 30 depending on the thickness of the fish steak till it's flaky. Mine was thick. It baked for 30 minutes; check it often so it doesn't dry out.
Remove from the oven, transfer to a plate and drizzle some of the sauce all over the fish. Remember to serve with the baked peppers and onions.
Pele Williams says
Easy and delicious! I’ve made this countless times and my family is never tired of it.
Esosa Igietsemhe says
Best recipe ever for Basa Steak... I've used this multiple times. Thank you so much for sharing.
Bilikis says
Delicious👍👍👍
Bilikis says
♥️♥️♥️♥️
Bilikis says
Different method of cooking fish.This method is the best
Bilikis says
Thanks for the recipe ma
Bilikis says
So yummy
Bilikis says
Super delicious
Chris Sawyers says
Thank you Claudy. My next dinner recipe..
Its delicious, please make it.