There is a misconception that fish should be cooked only a certain way. Most people assume that fish should be cooked slightly moist for best results. While this is true for some fish, others should be kept dry to maintain their firmness.
An old wives’ tale suggests that fish should be cooked for seven minutes per side. This method, however, depends on the thickness of the fish and how well your oven cooks. To determine how long to cook your fish for, you must consider several variables. Let’s explore how long you should cook fish in your oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
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The Thickness Of The Fish
If you are cooking a thicker fish, such as a salmon or steelhead trout, you should cook it for 10 minutes per side. When you cook a thinner fish, such as a bluefish, you may need to cook it for only 5 minutes per side. It is important to note here that the thickness of the fish determines the temperature at which it will maintain its flaky texture. At higher temperatures, the fish will become firm and dry.
The Texture Of The Fish
Even if you are using the same thickness of fish for both of your recipes, you will need to adjust the time based on the texture of the fish. The texture of the fish will determine how well it stands up to the heat treatment. Thicker, fattier fish will require longer cooking times than thin, lean fish. When you are shopping for fish, look for the leanest, cleanest fish you can purchase as this is what you will want to avoid cooking up. You can also use this as a guideline for how long to cook other types of food as well.
The Shape Of The Fish
Fish are generally cut into a certain shape that will determine how easily it cooks. In order to get the best results from your oven and retain the fresh, flaky texture of the fish, you should avoid any shapes that are thicker than another. For instance, oval or round fish should be avoided as these are the types of shapes that will become dry and tough when overcooked. If you are planning on grilling your fish, then sticking to thinner, longer shapes will result in the best texture when your fish hits the grill.
The Temperature Of Your Oven
Fish should be cooked at as low a temperature as possible so it retains its fresh, moist texture. For this reason, you should avoid using high temperatures when you cook your fish. Ovens vary widely in heat output, so you should check the temperature of your oven after you turn it on to determine how high it should be set. The best results will be obtained if your oven is set at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Timing Of Your Fish Preparation
Fish should be kept in the coolest part of your refrigerator until you are ready to cook it. This will keep it fresh and avoid any risks of contamination. If you are cooking a large quantity of fish, you should consider investing in a fish freezer so you can store it until you are ready to cook. Once you have determined the time and temperature for your oven, you can adjust these factors for best results when you cook your fish.
Other Considerations
Other factors to consider when determining how long to cook your fish include the type of oil you will be using and whether or not you will be serving the fish cold or hot. The oil you will be using will affect the texture of your fish as does the temperature. Using too much oil or butter can result in greasy fish, while too little oil will make the fish dry. If you are serving the fish cold, you should ask the fishmonger how long it will keep before it starts to degrade. This is also called the “quality” of the fish and refers to how well it will keep once cooked. The best way to determine this is by tasting it when it arrives; if it is still fresh, then it is of good quality.
There are so many variables that determine how long to cook fish. For the best result, you should use the thickness of the fish, the type of oil you will be using, and the shape of the fish as guides. Think of this as a general guideline rather than a hard and fast rule.