Slow cookers, or crock-pots, have become a staple in most households because of their convenience. In a crock-pot, you can make simple meals and slow-roasted meats that taste great with little work or time spent in the kitchen.
Chili, pot roast and pulled pork aren’t the only meals that are ideal for your crock-pot. You can also make wonderful seafood recipes in your slow cooker.
Seafood has a much shorter cook time than other meats and is more prone to drying out. It is important to keep this in mind when you use your crockpot to make fish or shellfish.
Cooking fish in a slow cooker may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a great way to end up with tender, flaky fish fillets infused with flavor With the right techniques, you can absolutely cook fish to perfection in a crockpot
Why Cook Fish in a Slow Cooker?
There are several advantages to using a slow cooker for fish
-
Hands-off cooking. Once you set up the packets of fish in the slow cooker, it does all the work with no need to watch a skillet on the stove.
-
Moist, even cooking. The enclosed environment of the slow cooker traps steam so the fish stays moist as it cooks low and slow. No more dry fish fillets!
-
Infused with flavor. Cooking in parchment or foil packets allows you to add herbs, spices, vegetables and more to impart extra flavor to mild fish.
-
Fuss-free. No need to worry about fish sticking to or burning in a pan. Clean up is easier too.
-
Healthy. Fish is a lean, nutritious protein that’s low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Slow cooking retains more of its healthy qualities.
How to Cook Fish in a Slow Cooker
Cooking fish in a crockpot is easy once you know the tricks. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
-
Choose the right fish. Lean, firm fish with delicate flesh work best, like cod, tilapia, halibut, salmon, or sea bass. Fattier fish like tuna and swordfish don’t do as well.
-
Portion the fish. Cut fish into 4-6 oz portions. Bigger cuts may not cook through. Scale down for appetizers.
-
Prepare packets. Place each portion on a large piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil.
-
Season the fish. Brush with oil or melted butter and sprinkle with desired herbs, spices, lemon, etc.
-
Seal the packets. Fold the foil or paper over the fish and crimp the edges to seal.
-
Cook in the slow cooker. Place packets in the cooker, stacking if needed. No added liquid is necessary.
-
Cook on HIGH. Cook fish on HIGH only for best results, for 1-2 hours until fish flakes easily.
-
Check for doneness. Carefully open a packet to test. If not ready, re-seal and cook for 15-30 minutes more.
-
Flake and serve. Slide fish out of the packets onto plates using a spatula. Spoon over any cooking juices.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Fish
-
Use fresh or thoroughly thawed fish, not frozen.
-
Add moisture inside packets – lemon slices, wine, broth, salsa.
-
Keep seasoning simple to complement the fish.
-
Resist peeking before the minimum cook time.
-
Use foil for stronger scented flavors like tomato sauce.
-
Place packets on a foil-lined cooker as backup against leaks.
-
Handle cooked fish gently so it doesn’t break into tiny bits.
Favorite Slow Cooker Fish Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes to try cooking fish in a crockpot:
Easy Lemon Herb Fish Packets
Ingredients:
- Fish fillets (cod, tilapia, etc)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, basil
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
Instructions:
Place fish, lemon slices and herbs in foil packets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Seal packets and cook in slow cooker on HIGH for 1-2 hours until fish flakes easily.
Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Andouille sausage, sliced
- Onion, bell pepper, celery, chopped
- Cajun seasoning, paprika, oregano
- Diced tomatoes, chicken broth
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in foil packet. Seal and cook in slow cooker on HIGH for 2 hours. Stir before serving over rice.
Asian Salmon & Veggie Packets
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers
- Minced garlic, ginger and chili pepper
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, honey
Instructions:
Place salmon, veggies and seasonings in foil packets. Seal and cook in slow cooker on HIGH for 1-2 hours until salmon is opaque. Serve with rice.
The Takeaway
While it may seem unconventional, you absolutely can cook moist, flavorful fish fillets in a slow cooker with the right techniques. Give it a try with easy foil packets – you may never go back to stovetop fish again!
How to Cook Fish Fillets in a Crock-Pot
Putting aluminum foil or parchment paper inside your crock-pot when you cook fish fillets is the best way to keep them flaky and juicy.
Instructions
1. Run water over the fish fillets, if frozen, until the fillets are somewhat pliable.
2. Whether fresh or frozen, pat down with a paper towel to remove any water on the outside.
3. Dust both sides of the fish lightly with salt and paper.
4. Spread a length of foil or parchment paper out on your counter.
5. Lay the fish at the center of the foil or parchment paper.
6. Add seasonings, oil or sauce and any vegetables or lemon slices.
7. Fold foil or parchment paper over the fish and crimp along the sides so that it is enclosed.
8. Cut a second length of foil or parchment paper to line the bottom of the crockpot. Then place the fish packet on top.
9. Turn the heat on High. Cook for 2 hours.
Easy Fish Recipe~Crock Pot Tilapia~Teriyaki Fish Recipe Slow Cooker
How long do you cook fish in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for fish in a slow cooker can vary depending on the type of fish, thickness of the fillets, and the specific recipe. In general, most fish will take approximately 2-4 hours on low heat or 1-2 hours on high heat. It is important to check for doneness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I prepare fish for kids?
This is really dependent on the personal preference of your children. Some children will eat fish the same way adults do for others you may need to make this more interesting by creating things like homemade fishcakes, fish burger patties, fish balls or by adding this to toast or even pasta. Involving your children in the preparation and cooking process can also encourage them to consume the fish.
Can you cook fish in a crockpot?
But I have for reals cracked the Fish in the CrockPot formula. Parchment paper. or Foil. Both can be used, interchangeably, to make moist and delicious flaky fish in the slow cooker with absolutely no fish smell, whatsoever. #booyah!! Our favorite fish is rather simple — I usually start with a white fish on sale — Sole Tilapia Haddock Cod —
Can you use frozen fish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen fish in a slow cooker. However, it is recommended to thaw the fish beforehand to ensure even cooking and better texture. If using frozen fish, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Can I use fish stock or broth in the slow cooker? Absolutely!