Can You Cook Fish in A Microwave? (Everything You Need to Know!)

Table of contents

When you think of cooking fish, you probably think of a cast-iron skillet and some olive oil.

But what if I told you that you could cook fish in a microwave?

It’s true! In fact, it’s not only possible, but I’m going to show you what to consider, how to do it, and what you should watch out for.

Let’s get started!

Key takeaways

Cooking fish in a microwave is a healthy option that preserves the nutritional content of the fish.
Microwaving fish is quick, convenient, and retains moisture, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
Marinating the fish before microwaving helps keep it moist and flavorful.
Adding a damp paper towel or parchment paper while microwaving fish helps retain moisture and juiciness.
When microwaving fish, it is important to cover the dish with a lid to trap flavors and prevent drying out, but avoid sealing the lid to prevent pressure build-up.

Can you cook fish in a microwave?

Yes, you can cook fish in a microwave. Cooking fish in a microwave oven can be a quick and easy way to prepare it, but it is not recommended as the best way to cook the fish.

This is because it’s easy to dry out fish in the microwave, which makes it hard to get the best results.

Also, microwave ovens may not be the best choice of appliance to cook fish properly due to their limited and potentially uneven heating capabilities.

How to prepare the fish before putting it in the microwave

Fish can be cooked in the microwave if you take the proper steps to prepare the fish itself.

You want to first make sure your piece of fish is not too large. You want a fillet, it is easy to cook a fillet in the microwave, not so much an entire fish.
Pat your fish dry and place in a microwave safe dish.
Then, place your marinade over the top to help keep it moist.
You also want to place a piece of parchment paper over the top of the fish or a piece of damp paper towel. It is very easy for fish to dry out entirely in the microwave.
Then, place your fish in the microwave and microwave on high for about 90 seconds. Do not over do it.

How to cook a fish in a microwave?

Choose a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold the fish comfortably. You can use a microwave-safe plate or a microwave-safe glass dish.
Rinse the fish fillets or steaks under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Season the fish with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or herbs. You can also drizzle some lemon juice or olive oil over the fish for added flavor.
Place the fish in the microwave-safe dish, arranging the pieces in a single layer. For thicker pieces of fish, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Leave a small vent for steam to escape if using plastic wrap.
Microwave the fish on high power for about 2 to 4 minutes per fillet, depending on the thickness of the fish and the wattage of your microwave. Start with the lower end of the range and check for doneness. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the heat. Be cautious of hot steam when removing the cover.
Let the fish rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the residual heat to distribute evenly throughout the fish.

What type of fish should you use when cooking in a microwave?

A rather easy fish to cook in the microwave is just about any white fish. While you can cook other fish in the microwave, it is easiest and most satisfactory to stick to white fish.

The reason being that white fish is rather firm, has a mild flavor, and is not something that is overly expensive or delicate, so you are not going to ruin a $100 piece of fish.

Some great white fish that work well in the microwave are cod, halibut, flounder, and sole.

You can microwave things like salmon, but again, you want to shy away from very expensive cuts and you want to get smaller pieces that are easier to microwave.

Do you need to flip the fish halfway while microwaving it?

Though this rule applies to most things when you are cooking, if you are cooking fish that is less than half an inch thick, you do not have to turn it halfway through cooking.

Since fish is very delicate, it is much easier to leave it be and not try to move it at all while cooking.

If you try to move a very thin piece of fish halfway through, you are going to break it up, and it is not going to taste as good or come out in one piece when it is done.

Check the internal temperature of your microwaved fish with a meat thermometer

If you are unsure if the fish is done, you can always check the internal temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer to see if it is done when you have finished the cooking cycle.

The internal temperature of fish that is not intended for raw consumption is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, if your fish is 145 degrees when you are done cooking it, it has fully cooked, and it is safe to go ahead and eat it.

Should I let the fish rest for a few minutes after microwaving?

Letting the fish rest after microwaving it is a good idea because it lets the juices redistribute and keeps the fish from drying out or getting tough.

Cutting into the fish immediately after microwaving it may end up releasing all the juices and drying out the meat.

As appetizing as the juices may seem when they come out, the meat of your fish actually needs them in order to stay moist and flavorful.

The redistribution of the juices inside your fish will make every bite worthwhile.

Resting gives seasonings and spices enough time to really sink into the fish, adding flavor and making for a more enjoyable eating experience.

How do you prevent your fish from overcooking in the microwave?

When cooking fish in the microwave, it is important to thaw it before microwaving. This helps prevent overcooking and a fishy smell.

It is also advisable to cover the fish with a lid or plate and set a timer for the duration of cooking.

Laying something like a lid on top of your food while you microwave it will help trap the steam and water from evaporating out of the fish.

However, don’t seal the container. Just leave the lid on top so that the steam that comes out clings to the top of the lid and then falls right back down into the fish.

Doing so will reduce the chances of overcooking, leading to better results.

Why should you cover the dish while cooking?

Covering the dish while cooking fish in the microwave offers several benefits.

It helps keep moisture in and gives food an even, consistent heat throughout the cooking process.

Covering also prevents food splattering in the microwave, reducing mess and cleaning time.

Covering can also help keep in nutrients that can be lost when food is microwaved and keep smells from lingering in your kitchen.

Tips for cooking fish in a microwave

One of the best things you can do to help with cooking fish in the microwave is ensure that it stays moist.

Make sure your fish has some kind of marinade on it to prevent it from drying out.

You also want to place a piece of parchment or wet paper towel over it to help keep it moist.

When microwaving fish, the biggest thing is that you need to avoid overcooking it.

It is important to season the fish with salt, pepper, and other desired spices before cooking.

Furthermore, adding a teaspoon of water or wine to the dish will help keep it moist throughout the cooking process.

Depending on the type and thickness of the filet, cook times should range from 3–5 minutes.

To improve flavor, additional flavorings such as lemon juice or herbs can be added before cooking.

Lastly, this dish is finished by keeping an eye on the fish and then pan-frying it to make it crispy.

How do you reheat fish in a microwave?

Reheating fish in the microwave is very easy. You just need to follow a few steps.

Place your fish on a microwave safe dish.
Cook on very low power mode, only 30 to 40 percent.
You only want to microwave in short bursts, about 30 seconds each time.
You want to check the fish every 30 seconds to see if it is as hot as you want. Overcooking fish in the microwave is going to dry it out and make it nearly impossible to eat.

How long should you reheat fish in a microwave?

It is not recommended to reheat fish for too long in a microwave as it can become dry and rubbery.

To achieve the best results, it is important to use a low power setting and cook the fish in short intervals.

Also, depending on the size of the fish, you should add about 5 minutes for every pound of fish you’re cooking.

You can speed up the cooking time by smashing up the fish into small or thin bites before putting them in. The thicker the fish, the longer the heat needs to penetrate into the meat.

Adding water or other liquids to the dish before microwaving can help keep the dish moist.

Reheating fish in a microwave can also cause potent fishy smells, so you might want to cover your fish with some paper or a lid without sealing the lid.

What are the benefits of cooking fish in a microwave?

Quick and convenient: Microwaving is one of the fastest cooking methods available. It allows you to cook fish in a matter of minutes, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or those looking for a quick meal.
Retains moisture: Microwaving fish helps retain its natural moisture. The enclosed cooking environment and the quick cooking time prevent excessive drying out of the fish, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
Preserves nutrients: Microwaving is a gentle cooking method that helps to preserve the nutritional content of fish. It minimizes nutrient loss that can occur with prolonged exposure to high heat or boiling water.
Energy efficient: Microwaves are generally more energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens or stovetops. They use electromagnetic waves to directly heat the food, reducing the cooking time and energy consumption.
Minimal cleanup: Cooking fish in a microwave can be a relatively clean process. Since you can cook the fish directly in a microwave-safe dish, there is often less mess to clean up compared to other cooking methods that involve pots, pans, or grilling surfaces.
Versatile cooking: Microwaving allows you to cook a variety of fish types, including fillets, steaks, or even whole fish. You can also experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or marinades to enhance the flavor.
Really fast: Microwaving fish is a quick cooking method, making it ideal for those who need to prepare a meal in a short amount of time.
No nutrient loss: Microwaving preserves the nutrients in fish due to its gentle cooking process, ensuring that you can enjoy the full nutritional benefits of the fish.

What are the disadvantages of cooking fish in a microwave?

Uneven cooking: Microwaves can sometimes result in uneven cooking of fish, particularly if the fish is not arranged or turned properly during the cooking process. This can lead to some parts of the fish being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Loss of texture: Microwaving fish may not provide the same texture as other cooking methods like baking or grilling. The fish may lack the desired browning, crispiness, or charred flavors that are often associated with these methods.
Limited browning: Microwaving does not typically produce the same browning effect on the surface of the fish as methods like broiling or searing. If you prefer a golden-brown appearance on your fish, a microwave may not achieve that result.
Lack of crust or skin: Microwaving does not create a crust or skin on the fish. If you enjoy the crispy skin or crust that can be achieved through methods like pan-searing or grilling, you may miss out on that aspect when using a microwave.
Potential texture changes: Depending on the type of fish and its inherent texture, microwaving can sometimes lead to a softer or less firm texture compared to other cooking methods. This may not be desirable for certain types of fish.
Limited cooking styles: Microwaving is best suited for simple cooking techniques like steaming, poaching, or lightly cooking fish fillets. If you’re looking for more complex cooking styles, such as grilling with smoky flavors or baking with a crust, a microwave may not offer the same range of options.
Fish odors: Cooking fish in a microwave can sometimes result in lingering odors. Despite efforts to contain the odors with covers or wraps, the smell can still be noticeable in the microwave and the surrounding area.

Is cooking fish in a microwave healthy?

Cooking fish in the microwave is as healthy as cooking it any other way. It is often a faster, easier, and more accessible way to cook your fish.

It does not affect the overall healthiness of the fish or its nutrition.

If you were to boil your fish, you’d end up losing precious nutrients as they leave the fish and spread out into the boiling water.

With microwaves, the fish gets cooked and the nutrients stay.

Should you marinate or season your fish before or after microwaving it?

You should marinate the fish before you microwave it.

This is going to help make sure that it stays moist during cooking and that it does not dry out and become fish leather.

It is not going to taste good if you have fish that is very dried out because you did not marinate it before you cooked it. You can add more marinade after cooking or you can use dipping sauce.

How do you make microwaved fish more juicy?

To make your microwaved fish juicier, you want to add marinade while cooking and help ensure that the steam stays in while you are cooking.

Adding a damp paper towel or a piece of parchment paper is going to help keep the fish moist and delicious.

Avoid using aluminum foil because obviously that will cause sparks in the microwave.

How do you defrost fish in a microwave?

To defrost fish in the microwave, put it in the microwave and use the defrost function for about three minutes.

What the defrost does is that it cooks by intermittently turning on and off the magnetron while being at the lowest possible settings.

This delicately brings the frozen fish back to temperature and thawing it out.

You do need to check it to ensure that it is not cooking if you are just looking to defrost.

3 ways to microwave fish without the smell?

Cook with the freshest fish

When you are microwaving fresh fish, the fishy smell isn’t as powerful as if you were to cook leftover fish.

This is because as more heat begins to cook the proteins and enzymes, the odor becomes stronger and stronger.

That’s why you’ll notice that when you are reheating leftover fish from last night, the fishy smell is even more intense than the day before.

Chop the fish into small pieces.

They should chop the fish into small pieces before cooking in order to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

If your fish doesn’t dry out and stays moist, it will make the smell a little less fishy.

It is important to make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size, so they cook at the same rate.

Cover your bowl with a lid

Covering a bowl with a lid when you microwave fish is important so that smells don’t get out.

This ensures that the fish is cooked through while preserving its flavor.

It also keeps the fish from drying out in the middle by keeping some moisture in the fish.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to seal the lid. You can simply place the lid on top of your fish. If you seal it, it might build up pressure and explode.

Brine the fish before cooking

Brining fish before cooking it in the microwave is important because it helps to improve the flavor and texture of the fish.

Additionally, brining can help to mask any unpleasant odors that may be associated with cooking fish.

By boiling the fish first and then letting it soak for 10 minutes in a salt solution, the taste and texture are greatly improved.

After rinsing off the brine, the fish can be cooked as usual.

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