Basa and... gah!

[crowdog66]

Tonight for supper we will try...

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LEMON CATFISH BAKE

2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 c. dry bread crumbs
3/4 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. dill weed
4 fresh catfish fillets or other white fish fillets (1 lb.)
Paprika

In pie plate, combine butter and lemon juice; set aside. In another pie plate, combine bread crumbs, lemon pepper seasoning, seasoned salt and dill weed. Wash fillets; pat dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet in butter mixture, then in bread crumb mixture.
Place in ungreased 12"x8"x2" baking dish. Pour remaining butter mixture over fillets; sprinkle lightly with paprika. Bake, uncovered in 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork.

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This is because when I went to Safeway yesterday I was able to pick up four nice big fillets of basa, which is related to catfish and apparently cooks up pretty much the same, for a relatively cheap price. (ETA: Through the Aqua Star site, I discovered that the fish they market is actually "hypo basa", which is in fact the tra referred to in the article above. The species name is Pangasius hypophthalmus, it's pretty big, and it is also called the iridescent shark, even though it's a type of catfish. It was still mighty tasty; see the ETA below. :-))

In other news, my brother-in-law is now gone to his own apartment. In bad news, he might have succeeded in fucking up our relationship with our bank. Longish story, and one I'm a bit too angry to tell right now. *sigh* We take him into our home, we help him out... and he repays us with this.

More later, if I think it's worthwhile.

ETA: Wow! What terrific fish! Meaty and slightly sweet, and very satisfying. Below is the letter I just wrote to the company that packaged it, Aqua Star, which includes my own variation on the recipe I posted above. As noted, I've never been inspired to write a letter praising a product before, but this was SO good, I was moved to communicate...

To Whom it May Concern:

I just tried your basa fillets (a product of Vietnam, 2 lb pack, packaged for your outlet in Vaughan, Ontario), and wanted to let you know how delighted I am with the quality, size, and taste of your product. I had never tried this delicious fish before, and would not have even known it existed if I hadn't seen your product on sale at a Safeway (Osborne and River location) store here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

The recipe I used to prepare it (a variation of a recipe found at http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1817,151169-236202,00.html) is included below my signature, in case you should find it useful.

This is the first letter I have ever written to anyone in praise of a product, but yours certainly deserves it! I intend to look for your products and buy them again in the future, and hope you keep up the excellent work.

Regards,

Laurie Smith
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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LEMON BUTTER BASA BAKE

2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/3 c. dry bread crumbs
1 1/4 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
2 fresh basa fillets (approx. 1 lb.)

In pie plate, combine butter and lemon juice; set aside. In another pie plate, combine bread crumbs, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Wash fillets; pat dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet in butter mixture, then in bread crumb mixture.
Place in ungreased 12"x8"x2" baking dish. Pour remaining butter mixture over fillets. Bake, uncovered in 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork.

Comments

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

I'm willing to listen... if you need to vent

[crowdog66.livejournal.com]

*big hugs*

I appreciate that so much, you have no idea. :-)

I think I'll wait at least until after supper to tell that particular tale of stupidity and horror, though. Will you be on AIM?

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

I am now, though it is 11 where you are.. :/

Sorry I feel asleep watching CSI for awhile... I have the next two days off though, so I'll be 'round :)