Steaming Fish Perfection: Microwave Style

Steaming fish in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook fish, preserving its nutrients and natural flavours. It is a convenient method for preparing a nutritious meal, yielding tender and flaky fish. This technique is suitable for a range of thick-cut fish, such as salmon, halibut, snapper, bass, and trout. The cooking time varies depending on the type and thickness of the fish, typically ranging from 3 to 8 minutes.

To steam fish in the microwave, place the fish in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, butter, salt, and pepper. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap and cook on a low setting for up to 5 minutes. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Additionally, you can experiment with various seasonings and sauces to enhance the flavour of the steamed fish.

Choose the right fish, like salmon or halibut

When it comes to choosing the right fish for steaming in the microwave, thick-cut fish like salmon and halibut are ideal. These types of fish have a higher fat content, which helps to keep them moist and juicy during the cooking process. Salmon is a great option as it is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your health. It also has a delicate flavour that goes well with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

Halibut is another excellent choice for microwave steaming. It has a firm texture and a mild, sweet flavour that makes it a versatile option for a variety of dishes. Halibut is also a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for your meal.

When purchasing salmon or halibut for steaming, it is important to look for fresh, high-quality fish. Look for fish with bright, shiny skin and flesh, and avoid any with dull or discoloured spots. Fresh salmon and halibut should also have a mild, pleasant smell, so be sure to take a whiff before purchasing.

In terms of portion size, a single serving of salmon or halibut is typically around 6-8 ounces (170-225 grams). However, you can adjust the amount depending on your appetite and the number of people you are serving. Keep in mind that thicker cuts of fish, such as salmon and halibut, may take slightly longer to cook through compared to thinner fillets.

When preparing salmon or halibut for steaming in the microwave, it is important to follow proper food safety practices. Rinse the fish under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This will help remove any bacteria and ensure a better cooking experience.

Now, let's talk about the cooking process. Salmon and halibut are both delicate fish, so it is essential to cook them properly to retain their flavour and texture. Steaming in the microwave is an excellent method for cooking these fish as it helps preserve their moisture and nutrients. Simply place the fish in a microwave-safe dish, add your desired seasonings or sauces, and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Cook on a low setting for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet.

To check if your salmon or halibut is cooked through, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the fish flakes easily and there is no bright flesh in the centre, it is ready to be enjoyed! Remember to let the fish rest for a minute or two before serving, as this will allow it to finish cooking and ensure a juicy, tender texture.

Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid

Using a microwave-safe dish with a lid is a great way to steam fish in the microwave. The lid helps to trap the steam and ensure even cooking, while the dish ensures that the fish cooks evenly and efficiently.

When selecting a dish, opt for a shallow, wide bowl or a glass dish with a lid. A microwave-safe dish is essential to avoid any harmful chemicals leaching into your food. Using a glass dish with a lid, such as Pyrex or Corning, is a good option. The dish should be lightly oiled to prevent the fish from sticking. It's okay if multiple fish fillets overlap in the dish.

Once you have prepared your fish with your desired seasonings and sauces, simply place the lid on the dish and put it in the microwave. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish fillets. For a 1-inch thick fillet, steam for 4-5 minutes. For thicker fillets, you may need to add a few extra minutes.

Using a microwave-safe dish with a lid is a convenient and effective way to steam fish in the microwave, ensuring even cooking and helping to retain moisture.

Add water to the dish

Adding water to the dish is an essential step when steaming fish in the microwave. This step helps to create the steam that will cook your fish, ensuring it turns out moist and flaky rather than dry.

The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your dish and the amount of fish you are cooking. As a general rule, adding 1/2 cup of water to your microwave-safe dish should be sufficient. If you are using a steamer basket or container, be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended water level.

When adding water to the dish, it is important to ensure that the water does not come into direct contact with the fish. The water should be at the bottom of the dish or in a separate compartment if using a steamer basket. This allows the fish to steam gently without becoming waterlogged.

After adding the water, you will need to cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This step is crucial as it helps to trap the steam inside the dish, ensuring that the fish cooks evenly.

Once you have added the water and covered the dish, you can proceed to the next step of microwaving your fish. Refer to your microwave's user manual for specific instructions on steaming food, including recommended power levels and cooking times.

Season the fish

Seasoning your fish is a great way to bring your dish to life and accentuate the flavours of the steamed fish. You can experiment with a variety of seasonings and sauces to add bursts of flavour to your fish fillets. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your fish before steaming it in the microwave:

Firstly, choose your seasonings. Common seasonings for steamed fish include salt, pepper, dill, garlic, lemon, cumin, and soy sauce. You can also use homemade sauces such as pesto or ground spices and herbs like cumin. If you want to add a little heat, you can include sliced chillies or grated ginger.

Next, prepare your fish. Place your fish fillets in a microwave-safe dish. You can use any kind of thicker fillet, such as salmon, halibut, bass, or snapper. Lightly oil the dish and sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the fish. Don't worry about being too precise—just sprinkle or glop on your desired amount of seasoning. If you're using a sauce, simply drizzle it over the fish.

You can also add flavour to the inside of the fish by cutting 2-3 shallow slits on each side of the fish and rubbing salt into the slits. This helps the fish cook evenly and allows the seasoning to reach the inner flesh. After seasoning the slits, be sure to rinse the fish and pat it dry.

Once your fish is prepared and seasoned, it's ready to be steamed in the microwave. Cover the dish lightly and cook for 4-5 minutes for a 1-inch thick fillet. For thicker fillets, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always be careful when opening the hot, steamy container to check if your fish is done.

Set the microwave to high power

When steaming fish in the microwave, it is important to set the power level to high, or 90%. This will ensure that your fish is cooked thoroughly and efficiently. The high power level will also help to create a delicious, flaky texture.

To set your microwave to high power, first refer to your microwave's user manual for specific instructions. For a KitchenAid® microwave, for example, you would press "COOK TIME" and enter your desired cook time, and then press "POWER LEVELS" to select the high power level.

It's worth noting that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillet. A one-inch thick fillet will typically take around 4-5 minutes to steam, but thicker fillets will take longer.

While the high power level is important, it's also crucial to ensure that your microwave-safe dish is only lightly covered. This will allow steam to escape and prevent your fish from becoming dry or overcooked.

Additionally, the type of fish you choose is important. Thicker fish like bass, halibut, salmon, and snapper are ideal for steaming. Oily and firm fish like swordfish, bluefish, and mackerel are not recommended.

By following these instructions and paying attention to the power level, cooking time, dish coverage, and type of fish, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and healthy steamed fish meal in your microwave.

Frequently asked questions