If you’re craving something comforting and irresistibly flavorful, the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe is exactly what you need on your menu tonight. This dish combines tender, flaky basa fillets with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that’s rich with buttery goodness and hints of garlic and oregano. Every bite melts in your mouth, making it a perfect meal to share with family or friends. Simple to prepare yet impressive in taste, this recipe is a shining example of how a few straightforward ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe come alive, you only need a handful of kitchen staples that bring incredible flavor, texture, and color to the dish. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the golden buttery base to the creamy cheeses that add that signature gooey finish.
- Basa fillets: Tender white fish with a mild flavor, perfect for soaking up sauces.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and helps brown the fish beautifully.
- Olive oil: Balances the butter’s richness and keeps the fish from sticking.
- Minced garlic: Provides an aromatic punch that brightens the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, velvety base for the cheesy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the creamy mixture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a stretchy, gooey finish that’s pure comfort.
- Dried oregano: Gives an earthy herbal note that complements the fish perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, vibrant color and slightly peppery contrast as a garnish.
- Lemon slices: Add a bright, citrusy zing when served alongside.
How to Make Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
Step 1: Season the Basa
Start by seasoning your basa fillets evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. This simple seasoning elevates the delicate fish, infusing it with wonderful herbal and savory flavors that set the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Sear the Fillets
Next, heat your skillet over medium heat and combine olive oil with the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, place the basa fillets carefully in the pan. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are fully cooked through. This step locks in the natural juices and creates a beautiful crust, ensuring each bite has a delightful texture.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
After removing the cooked fish, add your minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for just a minute. This brief cooking draws out the garlic’s sweet aroma without overpowering the sauce. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping the brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor. This technique transforms the dish’s base layer into something amazingly rich and full-bodied.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle in both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Gently stir until you see the cheeses melt completely into the cream, creating a smooth, thick, and luscious sauce that hugs every inch of the basa when combined.
Step 5: Combine Fish and Sauce
Return the basa fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy cheesy sauce generously over the fish. Allow everything to cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the cheese perfectly coats the fillets. This step makes the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe taste truly decadent and superbly comforting.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. Serve with lemon slices so everyone can add a bright citrus touch to their liking. This final flourish transforms your plate into a beautiful, restaurant-worthy experience.
How to Serve Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish because it adds a pop of vibrant green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A few lemon wedges on the side are not just decorative but also provide a zesty contrast that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when paired with simple, fresh sides like steamed vegetables, fluffy white rice, or a crisp salad. These complement the richness of the buttery cheesy sauce without overpowering it, creating a well-balanced meal that’s hearty but not heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more impressive presentation, serve the basa over a bed of herbed couscous or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of cheesy sauce. Finishing with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika adds an exciting twist that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the basa fillets and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy this buttery cheesy delight a second time with ease.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it by placing the fish and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese to separate and the fish to dry out. Adding a splash of cream during reheating can help restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of basa?
Absolutely! While basa is mild and tender, white fish like tilapia, cod, or sole work wonderfully in this recipe and will absorb the buttery cheesy sauce just as well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cheeses and check your seasonings. Always double-check packaged ingredients to be sure.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative and choose dairy-free cheese options, though the texture will differ slightly. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for richness.
How long does it take to cook the basa fillets?
Each fillet cooks quickly, around 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Basa is a delicate fish, so overcooking can make it dry, so keep an eye on the timing.
What’s the best way to serve this with sides?
Serving with a light, fresh side like steamed greens or a vibrant salad balances the richness of the dish perfectly. Rice or mashed potatoes are great if you want something more filling that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients in a way that tastes truly indulgent yet remains easy to prepare. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This Buttery Cheesy Basa recipe features tender basa fish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. The combination of butter, olive oil, and fresh herbs adds depth and flavor, making it a comforting and indulgent seafood dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 basa fillets (about 4 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the Basa Fillets: Pat the basa fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to infuse flavor.
- Pan-Sear the Fish: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and sizzling. Add the basa fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance the sauce flavor. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Fish and Sauce: Return the cooked basa fillets to the skillet, spooning the cheesy sauce over them. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm the fish through and fully melt the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Ensure the basa fillets are dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
- You can substitute basa with other white fish like cod or tilapia if preferred.
- Adjust cheese quantities according to your taste preference for cheesiness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best consistency.
- This dish pairs well with light sides to balance its richness, such as steamed greens or quinoa.
