Creamy Crunchy Baked Basa Fish

I have been pondering how to make another new baked Basa fish dish and this recipe is a winner with my family. The fish is spread with a creamy mayonnaise based sauce that includes freshly grated Parmesan cheese, herbs and spices and then is topped with panko crumbs giving the fish a crunchy topping. The results were fantastic and the kids really loved it too. I was thrilled! Check out my other delicious Basa Fish Recipes: Lemon Garlic Baked Basa, Basa Fish Tacos, Panko Crusted Basa Fish Sticks and Pan Roasted Basa with Fingerling Potatoes and Onions.

Ingredients:

• 4 Basa fish fillets (if frozen, defrost completely)
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (I like Hellman’s 1/2 the Fat)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus a bit more for grating over fish
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne powder
• 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• a bit of grated lemon zest (1/4 to 1/2 tsp)
• 1/4 cup of Panko crumbs (Japanese bread crumbs – I find them at the sushi counter at the grocery store)
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet that will fit all 4 basa fillets, with non-stick aluminum foil and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Pat fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, butter, basil, garlic powder, pepper, cayenne and lemon juice and zest.
4. Spread mixture evenly over the four pieces of fish. Grate a little more Parmesan over the fish before you sprinkle with panko bread crumbs.
5. In another small bowl combine panko with olive oil and mix lightly. Sprinkle panko evenly over the fish.
6. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes and then broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the topping nicely.
7. Remove from oven and serve with your favourite sides (we had mashed potatoes and asparagus).