It is now November, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what’s for dinner. This week I’m joining forces with Lindsey Tuttle of Taste of Home to help you make the most of your freezer. She’s lending her expertise as a culinary expert and I’m providing my expertise as a fish lover. Together we’re going to answer the question: “How long does it take to bake frozen fish fillets?” So let’s get started.
The Best Way To Defrost Your Fish
As we mentioned above, it is now November, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what’s for dinner. This week I’m joining forces with Lindsey Tuttle of Taste of Home to help you make the most of your freezer. She’s lending her expertise as a culinary expert and I’m providing my expertise as a fish lover. Together we’re going to answer the question: “How long does it take to bake frozen fish fillets?” So let’s get started.
The first thing you’ll want to do is take out your frozen fish. Whether you’ve stored fish frozen or kept it in the freezer, defrosting is always the key step before baking. The best way to do this is in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before cooking. This way, when you wake up in the morning, your fish will have slowly defrosted and will be ready to cook.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Fish?
So now that you’ve defrosted your fish, it’s time to start thinking about how long it takes to bake. The best way to do this is with an oven thermometer, and the preferred method is to use the reverse oven baking method. This way, you can monitor the temperature of your fish as it cooks, allowing you to know when it’s time to take it out. Remember: the heat is constantly moving in the oven, so it’s always best to err on the side of less rather than more time. This way, when you remove the fish from the oven, it will still be crisp rather than overcooked.
Once you’ve gotten your oven temperature down to around 350°F (177°C), which is when fish is usually enjoyed, it’s best to bake for 7 to 10 minutes per pound (depending on the thickness), before removing it from the oven. For instance, a 3-pound (1.4 kg) fish would cook for around 21/2 to 4 hours. After 4 hours, check to see if the fish is flaking apart at the joints. If not, return it to the oven for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the fish is cooked through.
What Is The Best Fish To Bake?
Let’s say you’ve cooked your fish and eaten it. How wonderful! It’s now time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and what better way to do this than with a nice crisp, cold bottle of wine. When choosing the fish to bake, you’ll want to go for a flavor profile that compliments your wine. For example, if you’re drinking red wine and your fish is orange in color, then it’s best to choose a white fish for your next bake. Here are some of the most popular choices that go great with wine:
- Red snapper
- Omega-3-rich trout
- Swordfish
- Scallops
- Shrimp
- Lemon-pepper Sea Bass
- Coconut-chili Batter Fried Fish
- Coconut-Pecan Crusted Fish
- Crispy Tilapia Fillets
Fish By The Pound Vs. Fish By The Piece
Most people tend to think of food portions when deciding how much food to buy, and this is why you’ll usually find packages of fish labeled “bite-size pieces” or “finger food”. However, when you’re buying whole fish, it’s important to remember that many creatures, especially large ones, can be quite the meal if you’re not planning on sharing. For example, a 6-pound (3 kg) fish can feed as many as four individuals.
If you’ve bought a whole fish and you’re planning on enjoying it by yourself, then it’s best to buy a smaller one. A 3-pounder (1.4 kg) will fit perfectly in a lunch box or picnic basket. When you’re purchasing a bigger one, divide it in half if you’re storing it in the freezer, or have someone join you for dinner if you’re cooking it right away. Remember: you should consume whatever portion of fish you buy within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the fish will deteriorate.
Freezing And Baking Fish Together
If you’ve been frozen storage fish, then it’s best to bake it as soon as possible. The texture becomes much more refined and the taste is retained better when cooked from frozen. In addition, if you’ve kept your fish frozen for a while, then you can bring out the absolute maximum flavor.
To bake your frozen fish, simply thaw out a portion in the refrigerator and preheat your oven according to the instructions above. Ensure you pat dry each piece before placing it on a baking sheet. This way, any moisture left behind from thawing will not cause the fish to spoil as you bake it. When done, serve with lemon or lime and cut into small pieces to make the most out of your effort.
More Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about how to bake fish, then be sure to check out these additional resources from around the web: