Lemon and Garlic Basa Fish
Basa fish is my favourite to cook with because it doesn’t have a strong fishy smell, in fact its quite mild which is nice. I started cooking fish in the air-fryer because it makes them taste so crispy and delicious and I remember I used to have such trouble with cooking fish because I used to overcook it every time and it would always come out dry and flaky. I knew that I liked the taste of fish because when it was cooked by my mum or older sisters, it would turn out really well and the taste was amazing.
The only issue was that I didn’t like the taste of fish when I made it! I would over cook and over salt every time. I was at a loss about how to cook fish; I wanted it to be succulent and juicy as opposed to dry and flaky. That’s when Pinterest became so useful to me. There were so many wonderful recipes and so many food bloggers who would share tips and tricks about how to cook the perfect fish.
I started experimenting and I would try not to get discouraged when the recipe didn’t turn out as planned. Instead I would use it as a learning opportunity so that I could improve it the next time I tried to cook fish. I still have a long way to go but I’m really pleased with how much I’ve progressed over the years.
Also, I remind myself that there’s no rush. I have the rest of my life to perfect how to cook a certain dish. The fun part is the trying, tweaking and amending.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE LEMON AND GARLIC BASA FISH
- Refreshing Citrus Flavour: The addition of lemon brings a fresh and zesty citrus flavour to the Basa fish.
- Aromatic Garlic Infusion: Garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavour to the dish. The combination of garlic and lemon creates a great flavour that is both savoury and tangy.
- Light and Healthy Option: Basa fish is a lean and mild-flavoured fish that pairs well with lemon and garlic. The dish is offers a nutritious option for those seeking a balanced and flavourful meal.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Lemon and garlic Basa fish is quick and easy to prepare. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in a short amount of time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Different Cooking Methods: Lemon and garlic Basa fish can be prepared using various cooking method. It can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared This versatility allows you to choose the cooking method that best suits your preferences.
HOW TO MAKE LEMON AND GARLIC BASA FISH
This fish recipe is super simple, healthy and full of flavour. The lemon adds the perfect freshness and the garlic adds a great depth of flavour.
- Aside from the fish, add all the ingredients to a bowl (all of which are listed below) and mix thoroughly until they are fully combined.
- Once combined, add in the fish and make sure that they are fully coated in the marinade.
- Allow to marinade for at least 15 minutes, the longer you marinade the fish for, the better they will taste.
- Once marinaded, place into an oven or air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly and then enjoy with rice, cous-cous or a side salad. I have linked my favourite cous-cous recipe below:
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Basa fillets
Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest
Paprika, Black pepper, Turmeric powder
Garlic Clove (Diced)
Olive oil
Salt
Dried Coriander
TOP TIPS ON MAKING THE BEST LEMON AND GARLIC BASA FISH
- Basa Fillets: Choose Basa fillets that have a mild aroma, firm texture, and a clean appearance.
- Marinate for Flavour Infusion: Marinate the Basa fillets for at least 15-30 minutes to ensure you get a flavourful and aromatic fish.
- Preheat the Oven or Grill: If baking or grilling, preheat your oven or grill before cooking. This will allow the Basa fish to cook evenly and get a nice sear or crust.
- Use Parchment Paper for Baking: When baking, make sure you place the marinated Basa fillets on parchment paper. This prevents the fish from sticking to the baking sheet and helps retain moisture during the cooking process.
- Avoid Overcooking: Basa fish cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking as the fish will get dry. Bake or grill just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time can vary but it’s generally around 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) or on a grill.
MORE TIPS
- Grill for a Crispy Top: If you want a slightly crispy top, grill the fish for the last 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the lemon and garlic Basa fish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or coriander. The herbs add a freshness and complement the flavours of the dish.
- Serve with Lemon Slices: Enhance the citrusy flavour by serving the Basa fish with lemon slices. Squeezing a little extra lemon juice at the table adds a bright and zingy flavour to each bite.
- Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve the lemon and garlic Basa fish with sides that complement the flavour’s, such as a light salad, steamed vegetables, or a quinoa pilaf. This ensures a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
- Experiment with Additional Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with seasonings or spices, such as paprika, cumin, or a pinch of chilli flakes. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Just before serving, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the fish for a great flavour.
RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Chicken Skewers – Chicken Skewers – My Simple Eats
Halloumi Pasta Salad – Halloumi Pasta Salad – My Simple Eats
Egg Fried Rice – Egg fried rice – My Simple Eats
CONCLUSION
This Lemon and Garlic Basa Fish is a quick, easy and healthy meal option. It’s packed full of flavour and can be customised to meet your taste preference.
Lemon and Garlic Basa
Ingredients
- 2 Basa fillets
- 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Lemon (Zest)
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1 Garlic Clove (Diced)
- 1.5 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/8 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Dried Coriander
Instructions
- Aside from the fish, add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined.
- Then add in the fish and ensure that they are fully coated in the marinade.
- Allow to marinade for at least 15 minutes and then place into an oven or air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool for 1 minute and enjoy!