How to Microwave Frozen Halibut

//cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/HalibutFrozen_360x.webp?v=1722358329 Perfectly cooked frozen halibut made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing tender and flaky fish fillets. This method ensures evenly cooked halibut with no thawing needed, ideal for a quick and healthy main dish.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

4-6 mins

Free Time

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Halibut may seem like a ‘fancy’ fish, but it doesn’t take a professional chef to cook it! Its delicate and rich flavor makes it perfect for microwave cooking. The Anyday dish’s vented lid ensures that the fish retains its moisture and flavor after steaming, resulting in a fine dining experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. While halibut can be pricey, you can trust that you’ll cook it to perfection in an Anyday dish in the microwave.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves 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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What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

One 4-6oz filet

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.

Microwave oven by power - 700w
700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 4-6 oz (115-170g) halibut filet, keep frozen
  • salt or seasoning to taste

Preparation

  1. Place the frozen halibut in an 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 8tooltip for 4-6 minutes, or until the fish turns pale white and is flaky when gently torn with a fork.
  3. If the fish needs more cooking time, cook in 30-second increments until the halibut is cooked through to your liking.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Tandoori: Mix plain yogurt with tandoori spice mix (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper) and serve alongside the cooked halibut.
  • Mediterranean: Season the fish with olive oil, chopped fresh basil, oregano, thyme, and a bit of lemon juice before or after cooking.
  • Herb de Provence: Season the halibut with Herbs de Provence ( a mix of thyme, rosemary, basil, tarragon, and lavender), olive oil, and lemon zest before cooking.
  • Orange and fennel: Cook the halibut with fresh orange juice and zest with thinly sliced fennel, a splash of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Recipe notes

  • Lowering the power level helps keep the fish tender and juicy and avoids a rubbery texture.
  • Select the wattage on your microwave in our recipe for the most accurate cook time, or use the instructions on the back of the package as guidelines.
  • For fresh halibut, follow the directions in this recipe.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Frozen Halibut

See for yourself— microwaving frozen halibut is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 4-6 mins
Oven* 15-20 mins
Stovetop* 15 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
*Includes defrosting time

All You Need to Know About Microwaving Frozen Halibut

Can I cook frozen halibut in the microwave?

Ingredient Power Level Cooking Time
One 4-6oz frozen halibut fillet 8 4-6 mins
Two 4-6 oz frozen halibut fillets 8 5-7 mins
Three 4-6 oz frozen halibut fillets 8 7-8 mins
Four 4-6 oz frozen halibut fillets 8 8-10 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Yes, you can cook frozen halibut in the microwave. Cooking frozen halibut directly in the microwave is a convenient and quick method, perfect for a hassle-free meal when using an Anyday dish. By adjusting the power level we can ensure a smooth defrost-to-cook transition without sacrificing quality or results.

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

It usually takes 3-5 minutes to cook frozen halibut in the microwave when using an Anyday dish. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the time range and adjust as necessary. Ensure your fish is perfectly cooked with these simple steps indicated in the recipe above.

Do I need to thaw the fish before cooking?

No, you do not need to thaw the fish before cooking. Cooking frozen halibut directly in the microwave saves time and effort when using an Anyday dish. Simply adjust the power level and cooking time to achieve perfectly cooked halibut. Enjoy hassle-free cooking with frozen halibut straight from the freezer!

How do I know when frozen halibut is properly cooked in the microwave?

Halibut fillets are perfectly cooked when they turn pale white, emit hot steam, and easily flake with a fork. To ensure doneness, test a small piece. Keep in mind that microwave power levels can differ, so adjust cooking times accordingly for optimal results.

How do I store leftover microwaved halibut?

To preserve leftover microwaved halibut, store it in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator. It usually remains fresh for 2-3 days. When reheating, simply microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. Enjoy reheated halibut fillet with ease and convenience.