Fish is delicate, flaky, and notoriously difficult to cook; you usually end up with a hard, dry block of flesh that doesn’t make your taste buds happy. You can microwave fish if you like.

Fish can be perfectly cooked in a microwave, and heavier filets like salmon or cod will need 4-5 minutes in a 1,000-watt appliance.

Here’s a helpful hint that, while initially sounding sacrilegious, you’ll soon come to appreciate: you can cook your fish in the microwave. I’ll go one step further and say that you should zap your fish rather than just know how to. You’ll regret not trying it sooner because it’s so simple and quick.

How to Microwave Fish?

When it comes to the microwave cooking of fish, opinions are very split. It’s a quick and simple method that some people vouch for when it comes to preparing this protein-rich food, but others avoid it like the plague because they claim it dries fish out and turns it rubbery.

The truth lies in the middle. Below are the steps you need to take to microwave fish safely:

1. Prepare
   You should season or flavor your fish in some way to prepare it, depending on the type you have. Fish dishes that can be quickly prepared in the microwave include buttery white fish with herbs and cajun salmon. Both are delectable examples of fish dishes.
2. Transfer to a microwave-safe dish
   Your fish fillets should be placed in a dish that can be heated in the microwave and covered with a paper towel.
3. Microwave
   Your fish’s type and size will determine how long it needs to cook in the microwave. Fish purchased at the grocery store comes with instructions for reheating it. When in doubt, it’s best to microwave your fish on medium heat, checking it every few minutes until it’s piping hot. If you put it in the microwave for an excessively long time, your fish will become dry.
4. Add Moisture (If Required)
   During the course of cooking your fish, you might discover that you need to add a little moisture. Any number of liquids, including coconut milk, citrus juice, wine, and water, can be used in this recipe. Apply generous amounts of liquid to prevent your fish from drying out in the microwave by keeping it nicely moist.
5. Enjoy
   Your fish from the microwave is now hot and ready to eat!

Tips for Microwaving Fish

Here are our three best pieces of advice for microwaving fish. These tips will help you have even more success:

• Add Flavours Beforehand – An unseasoned fish fillet will taste bland if you simply place it in the microwave. Therefore, be sure to season your fish in advance. If you have the time, season your fish the night before and store it in the fridge with a tight cover. When you come to eat the fish later in the day, it will be delicious because the seasoning will have soaked into the fish.
• Check Regularly – While your fish is cooking in the microwave, check it every one to two minutes. Fish that has been microwaved frequently experiences a rubbery, dried-out texture. The fillets won’t dry out because you’ll be checking your fish frequently and adding moisture where it’s needed.
• Pan-Sear to Finish – Think about pan-searing your fish after it has been microwaved for 30 seconds on each side if you prefer your fish nice and crispy. This will give it a nice finishing touch and enhance its texture.

Pros & Cons of Microwaving Fish

Pros:

• It’s Quick – Fish can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet for much longer than it takes to cook most fillets in the microwave in under five minutes.
• It’s Healthy – The microwave can cook fish without removing any nutrients, making it another healthy method of cooking fish.

Cons:

• It’s Easy to Dry Out Fish – Your fish may dry out if you microwave it without being careful. We’re sure you’d prefer to stay away from dried-out fish because it will taste rubbery and bland.
• It Smells – Fish that has been microwaved smells strongly of fish. Therefore, it’s best to avoid microwaving fish if you work or live in a shared home to avoid upsetting your friends or neighbors!

How to Reheat Fish in the Microwave？

The microwave should not be used to reheat fish. Fish that has already been cooked will start to dry out as soon as it is microwaved. Instead, we advise rewarming fish that has already been roasted or sauteed in a pan.

You might also think about eating your previously cooked fish cold because it goes great with a variety of salad and pasta dishes and keeps it from drying out while being reheated.

How to Defrost Fish in the Microwave？

When microwave-defrosting fish, you must exercise caution. If you choose to do this, you should make sure it doesn’t start to reheat while it defrosts on a very low setting.

The best method for defrosting fish is to take it out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator until it is completely thawed. After that, you are free to prepare it however you like.

Final Summary

A fast and simple method of preparing fish is to cook it in the microwave. You will save time and effort in the kitchen even though the texture might not be the best.

The biggest problem with microwaving fish is that it can quickly become dry. To avoid problems, keep an eye on the texture of the fish as it cooks and check it frequently.

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