What is Sea Pangasius? Dishes made from Sea Pangasius

If you are looking for a fish that is both delicious, low in fat, and rich in nutrients to change up your family meals, then sea pangasius (cá dứa) is definitely an option you shouldn’t miss. With firm fish meat, a natural subtle sweetness, and the versatility to be prepared into many appealing dishes, sea pangasius is increasingly loved by many. So what exactly is sea pangasius, what makes it special, and how should it be prepared for the best taste? Let’s explore it right away in this article with Ola Squid.

1. What is sea pangasius?

Sea pangasius (scientific name: Pangasius kunyit) belongs to the catfish family. It looks quite similar to the pangasius catfish (cá tra) but is easily identified by its slender body, smooth skin without scales, a light silvery-gray color, and a white belly. Notably, the fish has slightly yellowish or reddish-pink tail fins, small dorsal fins, and a wide mouth with short barbels.

This fish species is mainly distributed in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc., and usually lives in sea areas, estuaries adjacent to the sea, or mangrove forests. In Vietnam, sea pangasius is concentrated in the Southern provinces such as Can Gio, Vung Tau, and Ca Mau.

Thanks to its natural habitat and abundant food sources, sea pangasius has firm meat, low fat content, a subtle sweetness, and a characteristic mild aroma, making it highly preferred in culinary arts.

2. Nutritional content of sea pangasius

Sea pangasius contains balanced nutritional content, providing many health benefits for various individuals from young children to adults, specifically as follows:

• Rich in essential vitamins: Sea pangasius provides vitamins A, D, and E, which help improve vision, support bones, and slow down the aging process.
• Abundant protein source: Thick, firm fish meat supports muscle development and recovery.
• High content of Omega-3 and DHA: Good for the brain, cardiovascular system, and the overall development of the body.
• Neutral and gentle nature: Easy to digest, suitable for many groups such as young children, the elderly, and pregnant women, and serves as a tonic for men.
• Health support: Sea pangasius is also used in many folk dishes to nourish the body, support joints, and improve overall health.
• Note when consuming: People with allergies or conditions like gout should consider before eating.

3. Distinguishing sea pangasius from pangasius catfish and basa fish

Sea pangasius has a shape quite similar to the pangasius catfish (cá tra) and basa fish, so it is easy to confuse. However, you can identify it through several features:

• Color: Sea pangasius usually has a silvery-white or pale yellow color, with a bluish back and distinct black stripes along the body. Meanwhile, pangasius catfish and basa fish are pale pink or gray and do not have these characteristic black stripes.
• Shape: Sea pangasius has a slender, elongated body, a small belly, and a downward-facing mouth. Conversely, pangasius catfish and basa fish have shorter bodies, larger bellies, and an slightly upward-turned mouth.

• Head: The sea pangasius head is large and broad with a deep hollow on the skull bone. The basa fish has a shorter head, a shallow hollow, and a skewed mouth, making teeth visible when the mouth is closed.
• Fins and barbels: Sea pangasius has small, slender, light-colored fins and long barbels. Pangasius catfish and basa fish have larger, coarser fins and shorter barbels.
• Fish meat: Sea pangasius has large, firm muscle fibers, less fat, a sweet taste, and few bones. Pangasius catfish and basa fish have more fat, smaller muscle fibers, and are less chewy.
• Price: Sea pangasius is usually more expensive (especially dried sea pangasius). If the price is too cheap, check carefully to avoid buying pangasius catfish or basa fish by mistake.

4. Dishes made from sea pangasius

Sea pangasius can be prepared in various ways, from rich braised dishes to refreshing soups. Below are some recipe suggestions for sea pangasius that you shouldn’t miss:

4.1. Braised sea pangasius with pineapple

Ingredients for braised sea pangasius with pineapple:

• 500g sea pangasius
• 1 pineapple, 1 spring onion bunch
• 3 shallots, 4 chili peppers
• 100ml vinegar, 1 tsp seasoning powder
• 2 tbsp cooking oil, 4 tsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt

Simple preparation steps:

• Step 1: Rub sea pangasius with salt, wash thoroughly, then soak in water with vinegar for about 5 minutes to remove the fishy odor, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Peel and core the pineapple, then slice it. Mince shallots and chili, chop spring onions.
• Step 2: Then, mix the fish with minced shallots, chili, salt, seasoning powder, sugar, and fish sauce, and marinate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors absorb.
• Step 3: Next, caramelize the sugar to create a golden-brown color, add the fish, and stir briefly until firm. Add water, bring to a boil, then add the pineapple and chili to braise together. Continue to braise over low heat until the sauce thickens; adjust seasoning to taste.
• Step 4: Finally, sprinkle spring onions on top, turn off the heat, and serve on a plate. The dish features a rich flavor, combining the sweetness of the fish and the mild acidity of the pineapple.

See more delicious dishes: 7 ways to braise basa fish with pineapple, authentic home-cooked style

4.2. Lightly braised sea pangasius

Ingredients for lightly braised sea pangasius:

• 500g sea pangasius
• 3 garlic cloves, 1 shallot
• 5 chili peppers, 2 spring onion stalks
• 2 tbsp cooking oil, 1/3 tsp MSG
• 2 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp caramel sauce
• 1/2 tbsp seasoning powder, 1 tsp salt

Instructions for cooking lightly braised sea pangasius:

• Step 1: Clean the sea pangasius, remove intestines and gills, rub with salt to remove slime, rinse again, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Mince shallots and garlic, chop spring onions.
• Step 2: Then, marinate the fish with salt, seasoning powder, sugar, MSG, fish sauce, and caramel sauce for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Step 3: Next, sauté minced shallots and garlic with cooking oil, add the fish, and braise over low heat. Add a little water, turn gently so the fish absorbs the flavors evenly. When the liquid boils, add chili and spring onions, then braise until the fish is cooked and the sauce is slightly thick.
• Step 4: Finally, adjust the seasoning and turn off the heat. The lightly braised sea pangasius has a rich taste, soft and sweet fish meat, and a light broth, perfect for eating with hot rice or dipping boiled vegetables.

4.3. Sea pangasius braised with coconut water

Ingredients for sea pangasius braised with coconut water:

• 800g sea pangasius
• 400ml fresh coconut water
• 5 shallots, 3 garlic cloves
• Chili, spring onions, 5 tbsp cooking oil
• 4 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1 tsp seasoning powder

How to braise sea pangasius with coconut water:

• Step 1: Clean the fish, remove fishy odor, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Peel shallots and garlic; crush one part with chili, and leave the rest for sautéing. Chop spring onions.
• Step 2: Next, marinate the fish with a mixture of crushed shallot, garlic, chili, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, seasoning powder, pepper, and cooking oil for about 1 hour to ensure even flavor absorption.
• Step 3: Caramelize sugar for color, sauté the remaining shallot and garlic, then add the fish to sear until firm. Then, pour the marinade and coconut water over the fish until just covered, and braise over low heat. Continue for about 20 minutes, turning the fish gently so it absorbs the flavors evenly.
• Step 4: When the sauce thickens, add chili and spring onions, adjust to taste, and turn off the heat. The sea pangasius braised with coconut water stands out with its natural fatty sweetness and firm, tender, flavorful fish meat.

4.4. Sour soup with sea pangasius

Ingredients for cooking sour soup with sea pangasius:

• 500g sea pangasius
• 3 tomatoes, 1/4 cabbage
• 200g banana blossom, 200g water spinach
• 50g hummingbird flowers, a few bean sprouts
• 2 winged beans, 3 okra
• 20g tamarind pulp, 2 chili peppers
• Some herbs, some coriander
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce, 1/2 tbsp salt

Steps to prepare sour soup with sea pangasius:

• Step 1: First, clean the sea pangasius, blanch briefly in boiling water to maintain firmness, then marinate slightly with fish sauce, chili, and herbs.
• Step 2: Slice tomatoes; cut okra and winged beans into bite-sized pieces. Shred banana blossom and water spinach, soak in salt water. Soak tamarind in hot water and extract the juice. Wash the remaining vegetables and let them drain.
• Step 3: Add the tamarind extract to the fish boiling water, adjust seasoning to taste. When it boils, add okra, banana blossom, water spinach, then other vegetables and tomatoes to cook. Finally, add the fish and simmer for a few more minutes.
• Step 4: Finally, add herbs, re-adjust seasoning, and turn off the heat. Sour soup with sea pangasius has a tangy, sweet taste from the fish and vegetables, perfect for cooling down and enriching the family meal.

See more: How to cook delicious, non-fishy salmon sour soup at home

4.5. Crispy fried sea pangasius

Ingredients for crispy fried sea pangasius:

• 350g sea pangasius fillet
• 1 packet of crispy frying flour
• 2/3 cup passion fruit juice
• 3/2 tbsp sliced shallots, 1 chili pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper, 1 tsp chili sauce
• 1 tsp seasoning powder, 1/2 tsp salt
• 1.5 tbsp sugar

How to make crispy fried sea pangasius as follows:

• Step 1: First, cut the sea pangasius into bite-sized pieces, marinate with passion fruit juice and pepper to enhance the flavor.
• Step 2: Then, sauté shallots, add passion fruit juice and water, and season to taste. Simmer over low heat until the sauce is slightly thick, then turn off the heat and add minced chili.
• Step 3: Coat the fish in crispy frying flour, then dip into a diluted flour mixture, and deep-fry until golden and crispy. Finally, arrange the fish on a plate and serve with the passion fruit sauce. Crispy fried sea pangasius is appealing with a crispy outer layer, while the inside is soft and sweet, blended with the slight tartness of the passion fruit sauce that stimulates the palate.

>>> Similar delicious dishes: Suggestions for 2 ways to make delicious crispy fried squid

5. How much is sea pangasius per kg?

Sea pangasius is a specialty, so the market price is quite diverse depending on its origin and processing method. Because natural sea pangasius has a characteristic delicious flavor and scarce supply, the price of fresh sea pangasius usually ranges from about 300,000 – 400,000 VND/kg, while sun-dried sea pangasius can cost up to 450,000 – 700,000 VND/kg.

Meanwhile, farmed sea pangasius is cheaper, commonly from 180,000 – 190,000 VND/kg for fresh fish and about 300,000 VND/kg for the sun-dried type. In general, this price difference clearly reflects the quality of the fish meat as well as the rarity of natural sea pangasius.

6. Tips for buying fresh sea pangasius

To choose truly fresh and delicious sea pangasius and avoid confusing it with basa fish, you should note some important characteristics. Standard sea pangasius usually has a characteristic mild aroma, not fishy. The fish meat is white, firm, and there are two distinct black lines running along the sides.

When observing from the outside, notice that the fins and tail of fresh sea pangasius usually have a natural pinkish glow. If you see the fish tail is black, too large, or has the tail fin cut off, you should reconsider, as it might not be quality sea pangasius. These signs will help you easily choose fresh fish, ensuring the flavor when preparing.

Therefore, when buying, you should prioritize purchasing at seafood shops, supermarkets, or reliable sources to ensure a clear origin. If the price is unusually low, check carefully because it could be fake sea pangasius, which is actually pangasius catfish or basa.

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• 2 ways to make delicious braised fish with pickled mustard greens
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• 4 ways to make delicious, fragrant, and simple grilled pomfret

Through the above article, we hope it has helped you better understand sea pangasius, how to distinguish it from basa fish and pangasius catfish, and provided you with more food suggestions to make from this fish for your family meals. If you want to explore more delicious types of seafood and pocket culinary secrets, attractive cooking recipes, what are you waiting for? Visit the Blog of Ola Squid right away. If you are looking for top-quality dried seafood products, check out our collection at Ola Squid Shop.