| Market Names |
Basa |
| Where Caught |
Vietnam, Cambodia |
| How Caught |
Aquaculture |
Basa
Basa (Pangasius bocoutri) is a type of river catfish commonly found in South East Asia along the Mekong River and the Chao Praya River. It belongs to the Pagasiidae family which consists of catfish from Southeast Asia. However, due to legislation and a Food and Drug Administration ruling, only species from the family Ictaluridae, the family of catfish native to North America, can be labeled and sold as Catfish in the U.S. Thus, although it used to be sold as Vietnamese Catfish, among other names, currently the only FDA approved market name for Pangasius bocoutri is Basa.
Basa is farm-raised species. It is related to another farm-raised species from the same family, Swai (Pangasius hypophthalmus). Basa is the preferred species to eat in Vietnam and other producing countries and is considered to be superior to Swai but Swai is the preferred species to farm as it is less expensive and quicker to raise. Now more Swai than Basa is imported into the U.S. Beware some fish sold as Basa is actually the lesser expensive Swai. When buying Basa, be sure to check that it is Pangasius bocourti to prevent receiving the wrong fish.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® rates farmed Basa as a “Good Alternative” as it has “strong potential to be a sustainable aquaculture species.”
| Sources | |
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Species NamePangasius bocourti |
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SourceBasa is native to Southeast Asia. It is found along the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia and the Chao Praya River in Thailand. |
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SeasonalityBasa is available year-round. |
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Fishing MethodBasa is aquacultured. This is usually done by open cages and in ponds. |
| Features | |
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FlavorBasa has a clean, fresh and mild flavor and delicate texture. The flesh retains moisture well. Basa is considered superior to Swai as it is less course and less grainy. Basa also has a more delicate flake than Swai. |
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Dietary InformationPer 3.5 oz (100g) raw, edible portion: Source: Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers in Seafood Handbook: The Comprehensive Guide to Sourcing, Buying and Preparation |
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AppearanceBasa has a stout body with a broad rounded head. It has a blunt snout with a white band and also has barbels, or whiskers, like other species of Catfish. It grows slower than Swai but fillets are whiter and thicker than those of Swai. Its flesh is white and it is usually harvested at 2 to 3 pounds. |
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FormBasa is currently only imported to the US in a frozen fillet form. Product is available both IQF and shatter pack. |
| Uses | |
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PreparationA versatile fish, Basa can be baked, broiled, fried, sautéed, poached, grilled, or pan fried. |
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SubstitutionSwai and U.S. Catfish substitute reasonable well for Basa. |
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HandlingBasa is best thawed under refrigerated conditions at 34-38 degrees F. Once defrosted product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice for maximum shelf life. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsBasa is produced as a skinless and boneless fillet, packed 15 pound IQF and 20 pound shatter pack. Fillets are graded 3-5 oz, 5-7 oz and 7-9 oz, 9-11 oz, and 11 oz – Up. |
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Pricing ScaleBasa is an attractively priced fish but will be about $1.00 per pound more expensive than Swai due to US tariff of approximately 60% that is currently in place on Basa. Due to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to-date market information, current pricing and availability. |
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Shelf LifeBasa which has been properly defrosted may be held refrigerated for 3-4 days. Frozen can be commercially stored for up to one year. |