How to Cook Fish Sticks in the Microwave: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fish sticks make for a quick and easy meal but heating up the oven can take time. Luckily you can cook fish sticks in the microwave in just minutes! This method produces tender fish encased in a crispy coating using just a few simple steps.

Why Cook Fish Sticks in the Microwave?

Cooking fish sticks in the microwave provides several advantages:

• It’s incredibly fast and convenient. Microwaving takes just 4-6 minutes compared to baking which can take 15+ minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

• You can cook small batches Microwaving allows you to cook just a few sticks at a time No need to heat up the whole oven.

• You get a crispy coating The microwave produces fish sticks with a crunchy exterior close to what you’d get from oven baking

• It requires minimal cleanup. With just a plate and paper towel, cleanup is a breeze.

• You can customize flavors easily. Feel free to brush on a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, or spice blend before cooking.

Tips for Microwaving Fish Sticks

Follow these tips for getting the best results when cooking fish sticks in the microwave:

• Use parchment paper. Lining the plate with parchment or a paper towel helps absorb moisture and prevents sticking.

• Leave space between sticks. Arrange sticks so they aren’t touching for more even cooking.

• Cook in short bursts. Microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, flipping halfway through. Check frequently to prevent overcooking.

• Let rest before serving. Allow the fish sticks to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking. This helps them firm up.

• Adjust cook times as needed. Cooking times depend on your microwave wattage, so you may need to experiment.

Step-by-Step Microwave Fish Stick Recipe

Now let’s walk through step-by-step how to cook fish sticks in the microwave.

Ingredients

• Fish sticks, from frozen or thawed
• Parchment paper or paper towel

Instructions

1. Arrange the fish sticks on a microwave-safe plate lined with parchment paper. Leave about 1/2 inch between sticks.

2. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Fish sticks may start defrosting and releasing moisture.

3. Carefully flip the fish sticks using tongs or a spatula. Rearrange if needed so they’re not touching.

4. Microwave for another 1-2 minutes on high until hot and starting to crisp. Time will vary based on microwave wattage.

5. Check doneness and microwave in 30 second bursts if needed. Fish should be hot and opaque in center when done.

6. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving. This firms them up. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

And that’s it! In just a few short minutes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked fish sticks from the convenience of your microwave.

Microwave Setting Suggestions

Here are some general microwave power and time guidelines based on commonly available wattages:

• 700-900W microwave: Cook 2-3 minutes per batch of 2-3 fish sticks.

• 1000-1100W microwave: Cook 1 1/2 – 2 minutes per batch.

• 1200W+ microwave: Cook 1-1 1/2 minutes per batch.

Always check for doneness and adjust cook times as needed. If fish sticks seem undersized or thin, reduce microwave times.

Tips for Buying Fish Sticks

Not all fish sticks are created equal when it comes to microwaving. Here are some buying tips:

• Choose thicker, sturdy fish sticks that won’t fall apart easily during flipping. They hold up better.

• Avoid extra-large or jumbo sizes. Oversized fish sticks may not cook evenly in the microwave.

• Look for whole fillets of whitefish like cod, haddock, or pollock rather than minced or chopped fish.

• Check the ingredients. Fish should be the first ingredient listed. Some brands contain a lot of fillers.

• Buy sticks coated in breadcrumbs or batter, not raw uncooked fish. The coating crisps up nicely.

Popular high-quality brands like Gorton’s and Van de Kamp’s work well. Check your grocer’s freezer section.

Cooking Different Kinds of Fish Sticks

You can microwave all kinds of frozen fish sticks including:

• Battered fish sticks – Flip often for even browning. Brush with oil or butter for extra crispness.

• Breaded fish sticks – Prone to sogginess. Cook in short bursts and let rest before eating.

• Raw uncooked fish sticks – Not recommended. Batter and breading helps them hold together better.

• Gluten-free or veggie fish sticks – May require less microwave time. Check frequently for doneness.

Adjust microwave times based on the size, thickness, and style of the fish sticks. Always inspect them carefully while cooking.

Serving Microwaved Fish Sticks

Fish sticks just out of the microwave make for a quick, fuss-free meal, but here are some serving ideas:

• Serve on a bun as a fish stick sandwich.
• Dip in tartar sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing.
• Pair with fries or tots cooked in the microwave.
• Top with shredded lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a “fish and chips” feel.
• Sprinkle with malt vinegar for authentic British-style fish and chips.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
• Serve alongside coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad.

However you choose to enjoy them, microwaved fish sticks make for a fast, flavorful meal the whole family will love. Now go grab a package from the freezer and give this quick cooking method a try tonight!