How to Cook Fish Without Ruining It
Stop overcooking fish. Learn the signs of perfectly cooked fish every time.
4 min read
TechniquesFish cooks fast and overcooks even faster. Once you learn the visual and tactile cues, you'll cook restaurant-quality fish every time.
1
Pat Fish Dry
Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Dry fish = crispy skin.
2
Season Simply
Salt, pepper, and lemon are all fish needs.
3
Use High Heat
Heat a heavy skillet until hot. Add oil and let it shimmer before adding fish.
4
Skin Side Down First
Place skin-side down and press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling.
5
Flip Once
When 70-80% cooked through, flip carefully. Cook 1-2 more minutes.
6
Check for Doneness
Fish is done when it flakes easily and the center is just opaque.
Pro Tips
- Remove fish from fridge 10 minutes before cooking.
- Use a fish spatula for easy flipping.
- Don't move fish until it releases naturally from the pan.