How To Cook Fish

Fish is lean, tasty, and incredibly good for you. It is also simple to cook. This guide on how to cook fish will show you the way to grill, broil, and sear like a pro in no time.

Cooking fish is a mystery to many people. If you are new to fish, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that it is incredibly easy to cook. All you need to do is add some flavor and expose it to heat for 15 minutes or so, and you will end up with a delicious dinner. Below are breakdowns of various cooking methods.

Step 1: Flavor

Fish goes well with a variety of flavors. For an easy meal, just brush a cut of tuna or salmon with teriyaki sauce, let sit for a few minutes, and cook according to the instructions in step 2. Or, you can opt to whip up a marinade of your own, using ingredients found around your kitchen. Just mix herbs and spices with some oil and a bit of acid (such as vinegar or citrus juice). Soak fish in marinade for 15-20 minutes. Any longer may compromise the structural integrity of your fish.

Here is a recipe for a homemade marinade:

  • 1/4 Cup vegetable oil
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 1 Shallot, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step 2: Cook

Cooking times will vary according to the size of the piece. Here are time estimations for a hand sized, 1-inch thick cut. Larger cuts will take longer, small cuts will need less time. These are general guidelines, but of course every fish is different. To test for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of your fish. The flesh should flake when the fork is turned.

  • Remember, frozen fish should be thawed before cooking.
  • Bake: Heat oven to 425 and bake in a shallow oven pan for roughly 6 minutes on each side
  • Broil: Broil fish for 5-6 minutes
  • Grill: Grill fish for 7-8 minutes on each side
  • Pan-Sear: Heat 1 tablespoon oil into a frying pan over medium-high, cook fish 4-6 minutes on each side

Step 3: Serve

Serve fish immediately after cooking. Fish goes very well with rice pilaf, couscous, or a simple salad. For extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on just after plating. For garnish, try a sprig of parsley or a lemon wheel.

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