Easy Basa Fish Sauce

This is my go-to meal for days when I don’t know what to cook or I’m just too tired to make something complicated. It’s quick, flavourful, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients

For the Fish Sauce:

• 2 fillets basa fish (fresh or thawed)
• 1 cup frozen mixed peppers
• ½ cup frozen chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 scotch bonnet (adjust to taste)
• 1 seasoning cube (or to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp curry powder (optional)
• ½ tsp paprika
• 3-4 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• ¼ cup water (add more if needed)
• Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Season the basa fish lightly with salt, paprika, and onion powder. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add the frozen peppers and onions.
3. Fry until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and scotch bonnet. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add seasoning cube, and spices if using.
6. Gently place the basa fish into the sauce and add a little water.
7. Cover and cook on low heat until the fish is tender and the sauce thickens.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or coriander.

I served mine with butter rice, but this sauce also pairs beautifully with baked or boiled potatoes — and even spaghetti.

A Note from My Kitchen

Some meals come together without much planning, yet they always feel right. This basa fish sauce is one of those — simple, soothing, and full of flavour. It’s my kind of lazy-day meal: quick to make, but never lacking in taste.