When people think of their trusty microwave, they think of reheating – not exactly cooking a meal from scratch.
But what can you do if you’re craving fish and don’t want to wait for the oven to heat up? Can you really opt for microwave cooking when it comes to fish dishes?
If you want fish fillets on the menu but want to use your microwave, check out the must-see info below.
Can You Cook Fish in a Microwave?
Surprisingly enough, you can use the microwave as a cooking method for fish.
Not all fish is good in microwaves, though.
You want to stick with white fish – for example, cod, halibut, tilapia, flounder, or salmon fillet. Yes, salmon is red, not white, but it is still part of the “white” category of fish.
How To Microwave Fish
Okay, excellent – you’re almost there. Now you know which types of fish can be cooked in the micro. Now we need to know how to do it.
Luckily, it’s a super simple process. So simple that you’re going to regret not cooking fish in the microwave from day one. Who wants to fuss with an oven or grill, anyway?
Here’s a simple step-by-step for cooking fish in the micro.
1. Season Your Fish
Before anything else, start by seasoning your fish!
You can season your fish however you’d like. Some people are happy with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Others want more exciting flavors like lemon juice or other citrus juice, white wine, olive oil, or garlic.
(If you’re not sure how to season your fish, there are lots of recipes on the net. You’re sure to find a recipe that piques your interest.)
2. Wrap in Microwave-Safe Plastic
Wrapping your fish is critical. It will create some much-needed heat and steam inside the plastic, ensuring your fish gets cooked through all the way.
Make sure the product you’re using is microwave-safe. Never use items such as tinfoil, as this will cause sparks and potential fires in your micro.
3. Place in a Single Layer on a Microwave-Safe Dish
Next, you will want to place your fish in one layer (if making more than one filet) on a microwave-safe plate.
It’s recommended to cook your fish in a piece of Tupperware or dish that comes with a sealable/lockable cover, but it’s not essential.
4. Time to Cook!
If you’re using a sealable container to cook your fish, it’s time to cover and microwave. If you’re not, simply place your dish inside the micro and select your cooking time.
Cooking time will depend on the size of your fish and how many pieces you’re making.
Generally, a single 6-ounce piece of fish will take approximately five minutes to cook. Two pieces of 6-ounce fillets will need an additional minute.
You will want to flip your fish fillets halfway through the cook time. This will provide the most even and thorough cooking, ensuring you have perfect fish every time.
Keep cooking until your fish is nice and flaky and has an internal temperature of 145F.
5. Enjoy With Your Favorite Sides
Is your fish cooked to your liking? Then it’s time to dig in!
You can use your microwave to put together some other great food to go along with your cooked fish.
For example, many people enjoy their fish with veggies sprinkled with salt and pepper. Others enjoy garlic butter rice. Both of these foods can be cooked in the micro!
(Or you can give your microwaves a much-needed rest and opt for the oven or stovetop instead).
Once your meal is together, you can put everything on a plate and enjoy the incredible taste. Don’t forget a fork to dive into your seafood and a spoon for all the yummy side dishes.
How Long Should Fish Be Microwaved?
It may seem like fish will need a lot of cooking time, seeing as how the micro is typically used for reheating rather than cooking. But this is not necessarily the case, especially when it comes to cooking fish.
Most fillets will cook in less than ten minutes. The actual cook time will depend on the size of what you’re making, though.
Generally, a 6-ounce fillet will cook in as little as five minutes. You can add an additional minute for every fillet you cook. So, two fillets would need six minutes; three would need seven, etc.
FAQ
Can I Microwave Frozen Fish?
If you’re looking for a delicious fish dish but forgot to thaw ahead of time, don’t panic – you can put frozen fish in the micro!
However, you will need to be a bit pickier with the process.
For one, you must add a tablespoon of liquid to the food. You can use any type of liquid you like, whether it’s soy sauce, fish stock, or just water. This will provide the added steam necessary.
Then, you will need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The amount can differ depending on the size and thickness. So, it’s best to keep an eye on it and check every minute beyond the “recommended” cook times listed above.