Description
This Buttery Cheesy Basa recipe offers a delightful combination of tender basa fillets smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a melty blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Enhanced with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, it pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or garlic mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasonings
- 4 basa fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. Pat the basa fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking surface.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce that will infuse the fish with rich taste.
- Apply Butter to Fish: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each basa fillet with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each piece is well seasoned to enhance flavor during baking.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses. This blend creates a rich, cheesy crust once baked.
- Add Cheese to Fillets: Evenly sprinkle the cheese mixture over the buttered basa fillets, covering their surfaces completely to achieve a golden, melty topping.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish to add brightness and balance to the rich flavors.
Notes
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with steamed vegetables, rice, or garlic mashed potatoes, offering versatile side options.
- If basa is unavailable, you can substitute with tilapia or cod fillets for a similar texture and flavor.
- For an extra layer of freshness and acidity, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the fish before baking.
- Ensure not to overcook to maintain the fish’s moist and tender texture.
- The blend of cheeses can be adjusted based on preference; for a sharper flavor, increase cheddar or Parmesan slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
