Fish sticks are a classic freezer aisle convenience food. The crunchy, golden exterior combined with the tender white fish inside makes them an irresistible snack or quick meal But who wants to turn on the oven and wait for it to preheat just to enjoy this tasty treat? The good news is, you can easily cook fish sticks in the microwave in just minutes.
As a busy mom who is always looking for quick and easy dinner solutions, I often rely on my microwave to cook up a fast meal for my family. Reheating leftovers or steaming vegetables is a breeze, but can the microwave really handle cooking something like fish sticks from frozen? I decided to find out.
In this article I’ll share everything I learned about cooking fish sticks in the microwave. You’ll find out
- Why the microwave works for cooking fish sticks
- Tips for microwaving fish sticks to perfection
- How long to microwave fish sticks
- The best practices for safe microwaved fish
- My favorite dipping sauces to serve with microwaved fish sticks
After reading, you’ll be a pro at making this freezer aisle favorite in your microwave. No more waiting for the oven or deep fryer when a crispy, delicious fish stick snack is only minutes away. Let’s get started!
Why the Microwave Works for Fish Sticks
Typically, fish sticks are coated in an egg wash and breadcrumb coating before being partially cooked and flash frozen. This preparation means that fish sticks only need to be heated through to finish cooking them. The microwave’s quick heating makes it well-suited for bringing frozen fish sticks up to a safe internal temperature rapidly.
While microwaved fish sticks won’t have quite the same crispy texture as deep-fried or oven-baked sticks, they still get hot and tasty in the microwave. The key is using the right techniques and cook time.
With the proper microwave power level and cook time settings, you can achieve fish sticks that are:
- Hot and cooked through
- Mostly crispy exterior with some soft spots
- Moist, flaky fish inside
While not exactly the same as deep-fried, microwaved fish sticks make for a very quick and easy meal with minimal effort. The trade-off of slightly less crispy texture is worth it for the microwave’s speed and convenience in my book!
Tips for Microwaving Fish Sticks to Perfection
To get the best results when cooking fish sticks in the microwave follow these tips
Use a Microwave-Safe Dish
Choose a microwave-safe plate or shallow dish. Glass, ceramic, or high heat-resistant plastic all work well. Cover the dish with a paper towel to prevent splatters.
Arrange in a Single Layer
Lay fish sticks out in a single layer on the dish without overlapping. This promotes even cooking.
Cook at High Power
Cooking frozen fish sticks on high microwave power best mimics the quick heat of deep-frying. The high heat crisps the outside coating nicely.
Don’t Overcook
Stick to the recommended cook times. Overcooking leads to dried out, rubbery fish sticks.
Allow Standing Time
Let cooked fish sticks stand 1-2 minutes before eating. The residual heat finishes cooking them through and makes them extra crispy.
Use a Microwave Crisping Plate
Special microwave crisping plates or racks promote browning and crisping by elevating food above the dish surface.
By following these microwaving best practices, you can enjoy quick fish sticks with a deliciously crispy coating and moist interior.
How Long to Microwave Frozen Fish Sticks
Microwave cook times for frozen fish sticks depend on:
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Amount being cooked – The more fish sticks, the longer the cook time.
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Microwave wattage – Higher wattage microwaves cook faster.
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Size of fish sticks – Larger sticks take longer.
With those factors in mind, here are some general guidelines:
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For 2-3 average sized frozen fish sticks, microwave on high for 1 minute.
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For a full bag of 8-12 frozen fish sticks, microwave on high for 2 1/2 – 3 minutes.
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For jumbo restaurant-style fish sticks, microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes per stick.
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For any amount, microwave for half the time, flip sticks halfway, then microwave the remaining time.
Always check that fish sticks are fully heated through and register 165°F internally before serving. Add extra time if needed to ensure doneness.
Microwave Fish Sticks Safely
Cooking fish thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F kills potential harmful bacteria and parasites. Fish sticks must reach this safe 145°F temperature, but since they need time to finish cooking after removal from the microwave, 165°F is recommended.
Here are some other food safety tips for microwaving fish:
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Use frozen fish sticks before the expiration date
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Inspect that the package is not damaged or deteriorated
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Defrost fish sticks thoroughly if microwaving from a frozen state
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Check that fish sticks reach 165°F internally after microwaving
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Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days in the refrigerator
Following safe food handling and cooking guidelines helps protect you and your family from potential foodborne illness when preparing fish.
Best Dipping Sauces for Microwaved Fish Sticks
Now comes the best part – choosing a dipping sauce! Here are some of my favorites:
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Tartar sauce – The tangy zip of tartar sauce complements fried fish perfectly.
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Honey mustard – The sweet and savory flavors pair nicely with seafood.
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BBQ sauce – For a fun twist, try dipping fish sticks in smoky sweet barbecue sauce.
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Ranch – The cool, creamy flavor makes a great foil for crispy hot fish.
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Malt vinegar – Sprinkle or dip fish sticks in malt vinegar for a traditional fish and chips taste.
Get creative and make your own signature dipping sauce. My kids love dunking their fish sticks in a blend of ketchup, mayo, and sriracha for a spicy kick.
Get Crunchy Fish Sticks in Minutes
Armed with these microwave fish stick tips, you can satisfy crispy fried fish cravings in a fraction of the time. Ditch the deep fryer and oven while still enjoying tender fish inside a crunchy exterior coating.
Microwaving frozen fish sticks makes for a fast family dinner,quick after school snack, or savory appetizer for parties. Pair microwaved fish sticks with fries or tater tots for a hearty meal. Or top fish sticks with tartar sauce and shredded lettuce for a fun fish taco twist.
I hope these microwave cooking instructions take the guesswork out of making fish sticks quickly at home. Now when a fried fish fillet craving strikes, your microwave can cook up this freezer favorite in minutes. Get ready to enjoy hot, crispy fish sticks whenever you want with no messy frying required.
How To Cook Fish Sticks In Microwave
If you want crispy, tasty fish sticks but don’t want to deal with the trouble of using the oven, you’re in luck! With just a few easy steps, you can quickly and easily cook fish sticks in the microwave. Let’s dive right in!.
- Fish sticks
- Parchment paper
- Put the fish sticks on a greased plate that can go in the microwave. Make sure there is space between each stick so that the food cooks evenly.
- Do a two-minute high heat on the plate in the microwave.
- Carefully flip the fish sticks over after 2 minutes to make sure they cook all the way through. Use a fork or tongs to handle them gently.
- Keep the fish sticks in the microwave for two more minutes on high.
- Check to see if the fish sticks are done when the time is up. You can microwave them for another 30 seconds to a minute if the middle is still a little cold.
- Take the plate out of the microwave and let the fish sticks cool for a few minutes so they can get a little crispier.
- Enjoy your fish sticks that are cooked just right with your favorite dipping sauce.
It is important to keep in mind that fish sticks cooked in the microwave might not get as crispy as ones baked in the oven. But this quick and easy method works great when you don’t have an oven or don’t have time to bake.
Always read the cooking directions on the fish sticks’ package because the brand and size of the sticks can change the time it takes to cook them in the microwave. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your fish sticks are cooked through and safe to eat.
So, the next time you want some tasty fish sticks, try cooking them in the microwave. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how convenient and delicious they turn out. Happy cooking! Share your tips and tricks for making fish sticks in the microwave in our.
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How do you cook fish sticks in a microwave?
Arrange the pieces around the outside edge of the plate since it cooks faster compared to the center of the plate. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then flip and rotate the fish sticks before continuing to cook for another 30 to 60 seconds. For crunchy edges, use a preheated microwave crisper pan instead of the microwave-safe plate.
Can you cook frozen fish in a microwave?
Holding a microwaved fish stick. Microwaving your fish is quick and easy. Follow these steps for delicious, tender fish every time. Place a single layer of frozen fish sticks on a microwave-safe plate. Try to arrange them around the outside of the plate; if placed in the middle they’ll cook faster than the rest. Cook 4-8 in one go for best results.
Can You microwave frozen fish sticks?
Yes, it is safe to microwave frozen fish sticks. As long as the internal temperature of the frozen fish sticks reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent any unwanted harmful food poisoning from consuming undercooked foods. The process of microwaving frozen fish sticks are completely safe.
How do you cook fish fingers in a microwave?
Lay a dry paper towel or parchment paper on the microwave-safe dish, and place a serving of 4 to 8 pieces of fish fingers in a single layer. Position the fish sticks so they are around the edges of the plate instead of the center or middle of the dish to help cook faster.