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How to Microwave Fresh Cod

Perfectly cooked fresh cod made in the glass Anyday dish, providing a tender and flaky texture without unpleasant odors. This method ensures a quick and easy preparation, ideal for a healthy and delicious meal in minutes using the microwave.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

3-5 mins
1 reviews

Free Time

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How to Microwave Fresh Cod

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Cooking cod at home might seem a bit intimidating. With its potential to emit strong fishy odors and reputation for being tricky to get just right, many home cooks sh away from it. But, surprisingly, microwaving cod fillets turns out to be a game-changer.

Using an Anyday dish enhances the experience by preserving the fish's moisture and natural briny flavor. The silicone-lined lid of the dish works wonders, preventing any lingering odors and ensuring a pleasant cooking experience. This microwave method lowers the power level, which ensures the fish remains tender, juicy, and never rubbery. The result? A flaky, fork-tender result that is as delicious as it is simple to prepare.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

One fillet
  • One fillet
  • Two fillets
  • Three fillets
  • Four fillets
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
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  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 4-6oz (115-170g) fresh cod filet
  • salt or seasoning to taste

Preparation

  1. Place the fresh cod in the Anyday dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 3-5 minutes, or until cod flakes easily with a fork. 
  3. If the fish needs more cooking time, cook in 30-second increments until the cod is cooked through to your liking.

Suggestions

  • Cajun spice: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the fish before cooking good with corn and baby potatoes.
  • Sesame teriyaki: Coat the fish with teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds before cooking perfect to enjoy with some rice.
  • Ginger scallion sauce: Top with a combination of minced ginger, chopped scallions, and a splash of sesame oil before cooking for a fresh, aromatic, and slightly spicy taste.
  • Ranch spice: Season with some ranch powder and cayenne before cooking for a zesty flavor that’s great for fish tacos.

Recipe Notes

  • Reducing the power level helps keep the fish tender and juicy and avoid a rubbery texture.
  • Make sure to select your microwaves wattage for the most accurate cook time.
  • For frozen cod, follow the directions in this recipe.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Fresh Cod

See for yourself— microwaving fresh cod is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 3-5 mins
Oven* 25 mins
Stovetop* 15 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
*Includes defrosting time
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All You Need to Know About Microwaving Fresh Cod Fish

Can I cook fresh cod in the microwave?

Ingredient Power Level Cooking Time
One 4-6oz fresh cod fillet 5 3-5 mins
Two 4-6 oz fresh cod fillets 5 4-6 mins
Three 4-6 oz fresh cod fillets 5 5-7 mins
Four 4-6 oz fresh cod fillets 5 7-9 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Absolutely! Fresh cod can be cooked directly in the microwave using an Anyday dish without extensive preparation. For best results, season the cod to taste, place it in an Anyday dish, and follow the recommended cooking time in this recipe. The microwave preserves the fresh flavors and texture, making it a quick and delicious option for any meal!

How long does it take to cook fresh cod in the microwave?

The microwave cooking time for fresh cod varies, but a general guideline is 3-4 minutes for a 4-6 oz fillet. Factors such as fish size, microwave wattage, and desired texture can influence cooking time. For optimal results, start with the lower end of the time range and adjust as needed. Follow the simple steps in the recipe above to ensure your fresh cod is perfectly cooked. For frozen cod, follow the directions in this recipe.

Why do I need to lower the power level when microwaving fresh cod?

By using a lower power setting, you allow the heat to distribute more evenly, resulting in a flaky and fork-tender fillet. High power levels can cause the outer layers of the fish to cook too quickly, leading to a rubbery texture, while the inside may remain undercooked.  For the best results, follow the recommended power level and cooking time in the recipe.

How do I know when fresh cod is properly cooked in the microwave?

Fresh cod is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque, emits hot steam, and easily flakes when torn with a fork. To ensure doneness, test a small piece. Keep in mind that microwave wattages and power levels  can differ, so adjust cooking times accordingly for optimal results.

How do I store leftover microwaved fresh cod?

To preserve leftover microwaved fresh cod, store it in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator. It usually stays fresh for 2-3 days. When reheating, simply microwave for a few minutes, checking occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. Enjoy reheated fresh cod with ease and convenience.

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