Andy Montoya
Cooking frozen fish and cheese is a convenient and tasty way to prepare a meal. While it is generally recommended to thaw fish before cooking, it is possible to cook it straight from frozen by adjusting the cooking time and using methods such as air frying, oven-baking, pan-frying, or steaming. For oven-baked fish, preheat the oven to 400–450°F (200–230°C), and cook for 10–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Frozen fish can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, or in a pan over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes on each side. Steaming frozen fish is a gentle method that preserves moisture and flavor, and it can be done in an electric or stovetop steamer for about 10–15 minutes. To reduce fishy smells, pat the fish dry and consider soaking it in milk, lemon water, or a mild saltwater brine before cooking.
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What You'll Learn
How to cook frozen fish in the oven
Cooking frozen fish in the oven is a convenient and tasty way to prepare fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, preheat your oven to a temperature between 400°F and 450°F (200°C to 230°C). The exact temperature may depend on your oven and the type of fish you are cooking.
Next, take your frozen fish out of the packaging and rinse it under cold running water to remove any ice crystals. This step is important to ensure even cooking. You can then pat the fish dry with a paper towel.
Line a baking sheet or shallow metal baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. You can lightly oil the fish or brush it with butter, and season with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice.
Now, it's time to bake the fish. The baking time will depend on the thickness and type of fish, but generally, it should take around 10 to 25 minutes. For thinner fillets, 10 to 15 minutes should be sufficient. Thicker portions may require up to 25 minutes or slightly longer. You may need to turn the fillets over halfway through the cooking process. The fish is done when it is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and has an internal temperature of 145°F.
Finally, remove the fish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and flaky oven-baked frozen fish!
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How to cook frozen fish in a pan
Cooking frozen fish in a pan is a quick and easy method that results in flavorful and tender fish fillets. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the fish
Unpack and pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Rinsing the fillets quickly before drying can help reduce fishy smells by removing excess moisture. For stronger odours, try soaking the fish in milk, water with fresh-squeezed lemon, or a mild saltwater brine for about 15 minutes before drying.
Step 2: Season the fish
Season the fillets as desired. It is best to season the fish after flipping it in the pan, as seasoning before placing it in the pan may cause the spices to burn and stick to the pan.
Step 3: Heat the pan
Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. To test if the pan is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on it; if they immediately pop off the surface, the pan is ready.
Step 4: Add oil
Add a small amount of cooking oil to the pan and let it heat up. Avoid using butter, sunflower oil, or corn oil, as these will burn at high heat. Oils that work best for high-heat cooking include olive, canola, peanut, grapeseed, soy, or safflower oil.
Step 5: Cook the fish
Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets in the pan once the oil is hot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thinner fillets will cook quicker and result in crispier skin, while thicker fillets will result in a moister result. Use a spatula or tongs to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time for even browning. The fish should become opaque and flake off when tested with a fork.
Step 6: Check the temperature
Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your fish is cooked. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Step 7: Remove from heat
Remove the fish from the pan once it achieves a nice golden-brown exterior. Allow the fish to rest for a minute or two before serving.
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How to cook frozen fish in an air fryer
Cooking frozen fish in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. The air fryer method is perfect for cooking frozen foods as it eliminates the need for defrosting, and you can have your meal ready in under 15 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or the highest setting on your air fryer, usually around 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Preheating can help reduce the actual cook time by a minute or so.
- Prepare the fish: Take your frozen fish fillets out of the packaging and place them on a plate. If there is any ice or frost on the fillets, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Add seasonings: In a small bowl, prepare an olive oil mixture by mixing olive oil with your desired seasonings. You can use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, or dried herbs like oregano. Brush this mixture generously over the frozen fish fillets. You can also sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the fillets for a crispy coating.
- Place the fish in the air fryer: Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each fillet for the air to circulate. Make sure the skin side is down if your fillets have skin.
- Cook the fish: Cook the fish for about 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. For breaded fish, cook for 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then flip and cook for an additional 4 to 7 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Check for doneness: The fish is done when it is piping hot and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the FDA.
- Serve: Serve your crispy air-fried fish with your favorite sides and sauces, such as tartar sauce, basil pesto, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Enjoy your delicious and convenient air-fried frozen fish!
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How to cook with frozen cheese: types to use
While it is possible to freeze cheese, not all cheeses are suited for freezing. Freezing cheese will alter its texture, even after it is defrosted. Softer cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Camembert, Brie, ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, can be frozen but will suffer textural changes. These cheeses may become crumbly or grainy, and their structure may be damaged, resulting in a pool of liquid when thawed.
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are better suited for freezing and will retain their flavour better once thawed. Their compact nature means they have less moisture, resulting in less degradation of texture. Blocks or large chunks of hard cheese are ideal for freezing and can be frozen in their original packaging if unopened.
When freezing cheese, it is recommended to trim the cheese into a uniform shape and reduce oxygen contact during storage. Vacuum sealing is the preferred method, as it eliminates air contact and allows for longer freezing times. If vacuum sealing is not available, wrapping the cheese tightly in parchment paper followed by aluminium foil is an alternative option.
Frozen cheese is ideal for melting and cooking rather than serving fresh. It can be used in casseroles, soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and other cooked dishes. Frozen shredded cheese can be added directly to hot dishes like pizza, soups, and casseroles, as it will melt easily. Crumbling frozen cheese, such as Feta or Blue cheese, is another option for adding to salads or baked dishes.
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How to cook with frozen cheese: types to avoid
While it is possible to cook with frozen cheese, it's important to note that not all types of cheese freeze well, and the freezing process can affect the texture and flavour. Softer cheeses with a higher moisture content, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and Neufchâtel, are not suitable for freezing as they can become watery, crumbly, or mealy when thawed. Freezing and thawing soft cheeses can significantly damage their structure and texture, leaving you with an undesirable result.
Blue cheese is another variety that doesn't freeze well. Freezing and thawing blue cheese can negatively impact its texture and is generally not recommended by chefs.
Cheeses with a natural rind, such as Camembert, cloth-bound cheddar, and St. Nectaire, should also be avoided for freezing. Freezing these cheeses can create undesirable flavours and textures.
Hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, provolone (drier types), Edam, and Monterey Jack, are better suited for freezing. These cheeses have a lower moisture content, which means they are less likely to become crumbly or mealy when thawed. However, even hard cheeses can experience a change in texture when frozen, becoming more crumbly than their fresh counterparts.
When cooking with frozen cheese, it is generally recommended to use the cheese for cooking applications where texture changes are less noticeable. Thawed cheese can work well in cooked dishes such as sauces, casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches, dips, or cheesecakes.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a nicely browned exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Remove the frozen fish fillets from their packaging. Pat them dry, and season them as you desire. Place the seasoned frozen fish fillets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Fatty fish like salmon are not ideal for cooking from frozen as they are more likely to become soggy. However, if you must cook a fatty fish from frozen, skip the idea of achieving a crispy skin. Instead, cook the fish without the skin and remove it once cooked.
Cooking frozen fish in a steamer is a gentle method that preserves the fish's moisture and flavor. Prepare your fillets by patting them dry and seasoning them. If using an electric steamer, fill the water reservoir according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you're using a stovetop steamer, fill the bottom part with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place the seasoned frozen fish fillets in a single layer on the steamer basket or the steaming tray. Ensure they don’t overlap. Place the steamer basket or tray with the fish over the simmering water. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the fish for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
