Pangasius

Fish

Pangasius

Pangasius (mainly Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, also called tra, basa in trade, or Vietnamese river cobbler) is a farmed Mekong catfish sold worldwide as inexpensive white fillets. Flesh is mild, soft-firm, and pale, with a fine flake that works for breading, baking, and curry but can turn mushy if over-thawed or overcooked. Skinless boneless fillets dominate export packs. Use as a neutral canvas for bold sauces, tacos, fish sandwiches, and pan sauces. Pat dry thoroughly after thawing. Quality varies with farm and processor standards—reputable ASC/BAP or equivalent certifications and clean cold-chain improve texture and taste. Vietnamese aquaculture supplies most global volume; local Southeast Asian markets also sell whole and cut fish.

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Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

BlanchedChilledCuredDicedDriedFermentedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedMincedPickledRoastedSaltedSlicedSmokedSteamedWhole

Provenance

ASC CertifiedDay BoatFree SwumHand FilletedHook and LineLine-CaughtMSC CertifiedOrganicPole-CaughtResponsibly SourcedSeasonalSustainable

Sources

AquacultureIndoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

FirmLeanMildMoistNeutralPale

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 122

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 5.17 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.95 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 1.98 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 1.88 g
  • Cholesterol 51.1 mg
  • Sodium 79.2 mg
  • Salt 0.19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 0 g
  • Complex / starch 0 g
  • Protein 20.8 g
  • Water 68.4 g
Detailed nutrients

Fish flesh is lean to oily depending on species; marine omega-3s rise in fatty fish.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Pangasius.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

Grading systems

Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.

Vietnam

Fillet Export

History

Coastal and river fishing for pangasius and related species supplied essential protein long before agriculture spread globally.

Salting, drying, smoking, and fermenting extended the shelf life of pangasius and enabled long-distance trade.

Ice preservation and railway transport brought fresh pangasius to inland cities beyond fishing ports.

Industrial freezing, aquaculture, and global logistics made pangasius widely available in international markets.

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