If you are craving a dish that combines simple ingredients into a luscious, comforting meal, the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brings tender basa fillets to life with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s infused with garlic, butter, and a hint of oregano. The blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses delivers that perfect gooey, savory hit, complementing the mild, flaky fish beautifully. It’s an easy-to-make, show-stopping dish that feels gourmet but comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the right balance of flavors and creamy textures, ensuring every bite is satisfying and packed with flavor.
- 4 basa fillets (about 4 oz each): Mild and flaky fish that cooks quickly and pairs well with creamy sauces.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a rich, velvety texture and enhances the overall buttery flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the fish perfectly while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the smooth and luscious base for the cheesy sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that enriches the sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to provide gooey, stretchy texture.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a classic herbaceous note that complements the fish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh color and herbal freshness.
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving): Adds acidity that cuts through the richness perfectly.
How to Make Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
Step 1: Season the Basa Fillets
To start your Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe, generously season each basa fillet on both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. This simple seasoning creates the perfect foundation of flavor that will shine through once the fish is cooked and topped with cheese.
Step 2: Sear the Fish
Next, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is fully melted and sizzling, add the seasoned basa fillets. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the fish turns golden brown and flakes easily. Once done, carefully remove the fillets and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Keep the skillet on the heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for just a minute until fragrant to avoid any bitterness. Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s where the flavor hides! Lower the heat to low and prepare for the cheese.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. This cheesy sauce is what makes the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe so irresistibly creamy and cheesy.
Step 5: Combine Fish with Sauce
Return your cooked basa fillets back into the skillet. Spoon the luscious cheese sauce generously over each fillet. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the cheese to melt fully into the fish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Arrange lemon slices on the side; their tangy freshness will beautifully balance the richness. Serve your Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley isn’t just about looks; it adds a fresh herbal finish that brightens the creamy, cheesy richness. Lemon slices are perfect for squeezing on top, introducing a zesty contrast that lifts the entire dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. The neutral sides soak up the extra cheesy sauce magnificently, while the textures balance the soft flaky fish.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the basa fillets on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped herbs. Alternatively, placing the fish over a bed of garlic butter pasta or creamy mashed potatoes transforms the Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe into a decadent feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate leftover Buttery Cheesy Basa in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce and fish together to preserve the creamy coating, but be mindful that the fish tastes best when freshly made.
Freezing
If freezing, it’s best to store the basa fillets and cheese sauce separately to maintain texture and flavor. Freeze the cooked fish wrapped tightly and the sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on low heat in a covered skillet, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the fish and cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While basa is mild and flaky, other white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut will work well and adapt nicely to the buttery cheesy sauce.
Is it possible to make the sauce dairy-free?
Definitely. You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheeses to keep it creamy and satisfying while catering to dairy-free diets.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting grainy?
Ensure the heat is low when melting the cheese and stir continuously. High heat can cause the proteins in the cheese to separate, resulting in a grainy texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for guests?
Yes, you can prepare the fish and sauce separately in advance. Reheat and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor for your Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe.
What wine pairs well with this buttery cheesy fish dish?
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the richness of the sauce and the delicate flavor of the basa beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe never fails to please. I encourage you to try it out, enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness, and watch it quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Print
Buttery Cheesy Basa Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Description
A rich and flavorful dish featuring tender basa fillets cooked in a luscious buttery, cheesy garlic cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Perfect for an easy yet indulgent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 basa fillets (about 4 oz each)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the fish: Season the basa fillets evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Cook the basa fillets: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and sizzling, add the basa fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant without burning.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom to incorporate flavor into the sauce.
- Add cheeses and melt: Reduce the heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine fish and sauce: Return the cooked basa fillets to the skillet, spoon the cheesy sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the fish and fully melt the cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or salad.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is sizzling before adding the fish to get a nice golden crust.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor in the sauce.
- You can substitute basa with similar flaky white fish fillets like cod or tilapia.
- Serve with simple sides like rice or vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce.
- To make it lighter, reduce the amount of butter or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
