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Buttery Cheesy Basa

Buttery Cheesy Basa

Buttery Cheesy Basa is a quick and easy seafood dish featuring tender basa fillets cooked in rich butter and topped with melty cheese. This savory, comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a delicious blend of creamy, cheesy flavors with a hint of zesty lemon and fragrant garlic. Suitable for family meals and adaptable for various dietary preferences, it provides a delightful, indulgent experience in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasonings

  • 4 fresh basa fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Butter and Aromatics

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or herbs like cilantro, chives, dill, basil, or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Rinse the basa fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance freshness and brightness.
  2. Sauté Garlic in Butter: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it as burnt garlic becomes bitter.
  3. Cook the Basa Fillets: Place the seasoned basa fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until the edges turn opaque. Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes until cooked through but still tender.
  4. Add Cheese and Melt: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over each fillet in the skillet. Cover the skillet to trap steam and heat, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly and become irresistibly gooey and cheesy.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the fillets with freshly chopped parsley or your chosen herbs, then serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose fresh basa fillets for the best texture and flavor.
  • Monitor cooking closely to avoid overcooking; basa cooks quickly and can dry out.
  • Use high-quality butter to enhance richness without overwhelming the fish.
  • Cover the skillet while melting cheese to ensure even, smooth melting.
  • A splash of lemon juice balances the richness and brightens the dish.

Nutrition

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