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COOKING FISH
Use a ruler to measure the thickness of the fish in order to better estimate when to check for doneness. Properly cooked fish is opaque, begins to flake easily when tested with a fork, and comes away from the bones readily; the juices should be a milky white. Fish may be cooked while still frozen, but you will need to increase the cooking time.
| COOKING FISH | ||||
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| Cooking Method | Preparation | Fresh or Thawed Fillets or Steaks | Frozen Fillets or Steaks | Dressed |
| Bake | Place in a single layer in a greased shallow baking pan. For fillets, tuck under any thin edges. Brush with melted butter. | Bake, uncovered, in a 450 degree oven for 4 - 6 minutes per 1/2-inch of thickness. | Bake, uncovered, in a 450 degree oven for 9 -11 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness. | Bake, uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 6 - 9 minutes per 1/2 pound. |
| Broil | Preheat broiler. Place fish on greased unheated rack of a broiler pan. For fillets, tuck under any thin edges. Brush with melted butter. | Broil 4 inches from the heat for 4 - 6 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness. If fish is 1 inch or more thick, turn it over halfway trough broiling. | Broil 4 inches from the heat for 6 - 9 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness. If fish is 1 inch or more thick, turn it over halfway through broiling. | Not recommended. |
| Poach | Add 1 1/2 cups water, broth, or wine to a large skillet. Bring to boiling. Add fish. Return to boiling reduce heat. | Simmer, uncovered, for 4 - 6 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness | Simmer, uncovered, for 6 - 9 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness. | Simmer, covered for 6 - 9 minutes per 1/2 pound. |
| Microwave | Remove head and tail of dressed fish. Arrange fish in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. For fillets, tuck under any thin edges. Cover with vented clear plastic wrap. | Cook on 100% power (high). For 1/2 pound of 1/2-inch thick fillets, allow 2 - 4 minutes; for 1 pound of 1/2-inch thick fillets, allow 3 - 5 minutes. For 1 pound of 1-inch thick steaks, allow 5 - 7 minutes. | Not Recommended | Cook on 100% power (high). For two 8-10-ounce fish, allow 4 1/2 - 7 minutes, giving dish a half-turn once. Let stand for 5 minutes. |