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How to Microwave Frozen Cod

Perfectly cooked frozen cod made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing tender and flaky fish fillets. This method ensures evenly cooked cod with no thawing needed, ideal for a quick and healthy main dish.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

3-5 mins

Free Time

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How to Microwave Frozen Cod

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Cook perfectly flaky and fork-tender cod fillets without the hassle of thawing! Simply let the Anyday dish and your microwave do all the work. Using an Anyday dish preserves the moisture and flavor of the cod with each bite.

The secret to cooking fish from frozen in the microwave? Lowering the power level. This makes sure your fish comes out tender, juicy, and not rubbery. Cod fish can tend to have a strong aroma, but cooking cod from frozen in an Anyday dish reduces any potential odors, resulting in fresh smelling (and tasting) fish every time.

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) frozen cod filet, keep frozen
  • salt or seasoning to taste

Preparation

  1. Place the frozen cod filet in the Anyday dish and season to taste with salt or any spices of your choosing. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 8
    ✕

    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

  • Garlic and ginger: Season with garlic powder, grated ginger, and black pepper before cooking.
  • Miso soy sauce: Spread with a mixture of miso paste and soy sauce before cooking.
  • Italian pesto: Brush some pesto over the cooked filet and serve with a green salad.
  • Ranch spice: Season with some ranch powder and cayenne before cooking for a zesty flavor that’s great for fish tacos.

Recipe Notes

  • Frozen cod does not need to be thawed! (This is the ultimate time-saving hack.)
  • Reducing the power level helps keep the fish tender and juicy and helps avoid a rubbery texture.
  • Make sure to select the proper wattage for the most accurate cook time.
  • For fresh cod, follow the directions in this recipe.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Frozen Cod

See for yourself— microwaving frozen 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 Frozen Cod

Can I cook frozen cod in the microwave?

Ingredient Power Level Cooking Time
One 4-6oz frozen cod fillet 8 3-5 mins
Two 4-6 oz frozen cod fillets 8 4-6 mins
Three 4-6 oz frozen cod fillets 8 5-7 mins
Four 4-6 oz frozen cod fillets 8 7-9 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Yes, you can cook frozen cod in the microwave using an Anyday dish! It's easy, quick, and virtually odorless. No need to thaw the fish ahead of time. Our recipe is designed to make it as simple as possible with just the push of a button.

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

Microwave cook times for cod fish can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to cook the filet in the microwave for 3-4 minutes for a 4-6 oz filet. To get the best results, start with a shorter time and add more if needed. Just follow the steps in the recipe to make sure your cod turns out perfect. For fresh cod, follow the directions in this recipe.

Can I cook frozen cod without thawing it first?

Absolutely! You can cook frozen cod directly without thawing it beforehand. Just follow the directions in the recipe. Make sure to select the correct wattage that matches your microwave, and the recipe will provide the correct power level and cook times you need.

Is the microwave safe for cooking frozen fish?

Yes, microwave cooking is perfectly safe for cooking fish! The Anyday dish is designed to cook food evenly and retain moisture, making it a great option for cooking this delicate protein. Always make sure the fish reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

How do I know when the cod fish is properly cooked?

Cod fish is perfectly cooked when it turns pale white and easily separates into tender flakes. If you’d like to use a thermometer, make sure the interior of the fish reaches at least 145°F. To make sure the fish is fully cooked through, test a small piece. Use a fork to gently flake the fillet; it should come apart easily.

How do I store leftover microwaved cod fish?

To preserve leftover microwaved cod fish, store it in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for 2-3 days. When reheating, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.

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