Steaming Fish: Microwave Timing And Techniques

Cooking fish in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare a nutritious meal. The microwave steams the fish, cooking it evenly and quickly, and it only takes 5-6 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of fish, with salmon and trout taking 3-5 minutes, cod, pollock, and whiting taking 3-5 minutes, snapper and turbot taking 4-5 minutes, and sea bass taking 5-8 minutes. It is important to note that some fish will cook or dry out faster than others. To check if your fish is cooked, use a kitchen thermometer – fish is cooked when it reaches 145°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can use a fork to gently poke the thickest part of the fish – if there is no resistance, then it is likely cooked.

Microwaving fish doesn't stink up the microwave

There are several ways to avoid stinking up the microwave when cooking fish. Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time for fish in the microwave is usually quite short, ranging from 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the type and thickness of the fish. This shorter cooking time means that the fish is less likely to dry out and create a strong smell.

One way to prevent fish odours is to wrap the fish in microwave-safe plastic wrap. This creates a barrier between the fish and the microwave, containing any smells. It is recommended to use a high-sided plate so that the plastic wrap doesn't touch the food. Additionally, using a microwave steamer basket or a silicone steamer can help to contain the steam and odours.

Another tip is to add seasonings or sauces to the fish before cooking. Dill, garlic, lemon, cumin, soy sauce, and pesto are all great options to mask any potential fishy smells.

If you're reheating leftover fish, it's best to do so gently and indirectly. Flake the fish into small pieces and add it to a bowl of hot rice, pasta, vegetables, or sauce. This will warm the fish without drying it out or oxidizing the oils, which can create a strong aroma.

Finally, if you're looking to remove fish odours from your microwave, you can try heating a wet dish towel with a bit of dish soap in the microwave for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can overpower the fish smell by microwaving something with a strong, pleasant scent, such as herbal tea or baking cookies.

Microwaves cook from the inside out

Microwaves cook from the outside in, contrary to the popular belief that they cook from the inside out. The core components of a microwave are a magnetron and a high-voltage source. Microwaves are short radio waves that bounce around in the metal box of the microwave and when they encounter substances like water, fats, sugars, and ceramics, they heat them up efficiently.

Microwaves heat food through dielectric heating, which causes molecules with positive and negative charges at opposite ends to rotate rapidly as they try to align with the alternating electric field from the microwaves, resulting in heat. This is why completely frozen foods take longer to heat up as the molecules are not free to rotate. As the molecules heat up, they also thaw out frozen molecules, which are then heated by convection and the microwaves.

The misconception that microwaves cook from the inside out arises from the fact that some foods have a very dry outer cover that microwaves penetrate with minimal absorption, making it seem like the liquid inside heats up first. However, if microwaves truly cooked from the inside out, you wouldn't end up with a frozen centre and a scalding exterior.

Microwaves are particularly good at steaming, as they generate heat from the inside out through vibrations of water molecules within the ingredient. This results in more even, quick, and clean cooking.

Now, to answer your initial question about steaming fish in the microwave, the process is simple and healthy. You can use a glass dish with a lid to steam fish in the microwave. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish, but it usually takes around 4-6 minutes. You can season the fish with your choice of spices and sauces, cover it, and microwave until it's cooked to your liking.

Microwaving is a great alternative to traditional steaming

One of the main benefits of microwaving fish is the speed at which it cooks. Fish can be steamed in the microwave in as little as 3 to 6 minutes, depending on its thickness. This is significantly faster than traditional steaming methods, which can take upwards of 15 minutes.

Another advantage of microwaving is that it generates heat from the inside out. Microwaves create heat through the vibration of water molecules within the food, resulting in more even cooking. This internal agitation also means that ingredients are less likely to overcook or dry out, making it a forgiving method for novice cooks.

Additionally, microwaving fish can be more convenient and less messy than traditional steaming. It eliminates the need for specialized equipment, such as a steamer basket or parchment paper, and it doesn't require stovetop or oven use. Microwaving is also an excellent option for those who are short on time or just starting to learn how to steam food.

When microwaving fish, it's important to use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with plastic wrap or a glass lid. You can also elevate the fish on wooden chopsticks or green onion whites to prevent it from sticking to the plate.

While microwaving may not produce the same succulent results as traditional steaming, it is a valuable technique for achieving a quick, healthy, and tasty meal. It is a convenient alternative that delivers evenly cooked fish in a fraction of the time.

Thick-cut fish like salmon, halibut, snapper and bass are ideal for steaming

When preparing your fish, you can use a microwave-safe dish with a lid, or cover your dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap. You can also use a microwave steaming container, or a silicone steamer over a heat-safe bowl. If you don't have a steamer, a simple alternative is to add half a cup of water to a heat-safe dish and cover it with plastic wrap.

When it comes to cooking time, a 1-inch thick fillet of salmon, halibut, snapper or bass will take around 4-5 minutes to cook in the microwave. However, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so be sure to refer to your user's manual for specific instructions.

To test if your fish is cooked, you can use a kitchen thermometer – fish is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can use a fork to gently poke the thickest part of the fish. If there's no resistance, your fish is likely cooked. If there is still some resistance, you can cook it for another minute and then test it again.

Additionally, you can add some flavour to your fish by seasoning it with your favourite spices or sauces before steaming. Some popular options include dill, garlic, lemon, cumin, soy sauce or pesto.

You can steam fish without a steamer

You can steam fish in the microwave in around 5 minutes, depending on its thickness. But what if you don't have a steamer? Here are some ways to steam fish without one.

Using a Heat-Proof Plate and Cooking Ring

Place a stainless steel cooking ring in the centre of a shallow pot. Add about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water to the pot, ensuring the water level isn't higher than the edges of your steamer plate. Set a heat-safe plate smaller than your pot on the cooking ring, then turn the cooktop to medium-high heat and bring the water to a low boil. Add your fish to the steamer plate, cover the pot, and steam for 5-7 minutes.

Using a Steamer Basket

Arrange your fish inside a stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo steamer basket. Fill a pot with 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) of water, ensuring the water level remains below the bottom edge of your steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then set the steamer basket inside the pot, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes.

Other Methods

You can also steam fish using a microwave steaming container, a silicone steamer, or by adding 1/2 cup of water to a heat-safe dish and covering it with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can place a rack inside a large pot, place a plate or bowl with fish on top, fill the pot with 1-2 inches of water, and heat the water to steam.

Frequently asked questions