If you want to save the fish fillets you made for dinner but aren’t sure if you can reheat them, don’t worry! You don’t have to throw them away after dinner. You can simply store them to reheat the next day.
If you type “Can you reheat fish?” into a search engine, this blog post will give you the answer. If you want to know how to reheat the dish you made with a lot of love and care, all you have to do is read this blog post.
Cooking fish to perfection is an art. Overcook it, and you end up with dry, flavorless fish that flakes into pieces. Undercook it, and it’s unsafe to eat. But what about reheating previously cooked fish? Getting the temperature right is key for fish that still tastes juicy and fresh.
Follow these tips when reheating fish in the oven to get it hot while maintaining moisture and flavor. Pay attention to the type of fish, its thickness, whether it has skin and breading, and adjust oven temperature and time accordingly.
Choose the Right Oven Temperature
The ideal oven temperature for reheating fish is between 275°F and 325°F This relatively low heat gently brings the fish up to temperature without overcooking it.
Whole fish and thick fish steaks around 1-inch thick can be reheated at 275°F, while thinner fillets do better at 325°F since they heat through more quickly.
Reheating Whole Fish With Skin
Reheating whole fish works well if you keep the skin on. The skin helps retain moisture and keeps the flesh from drying out.
Follow these steps
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Place the whole fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for around 15 minutes, until heated through. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 130°F.
The skin should get lightly crispy in the oven while locking in juices.
Reheating Skinless Fillets
Skinless fish fillets are more prone to drying out when reheated. Protect them by:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place fillets in foil packet with a tablespoon or two of liquid (broth, wine, lemon juice).
- Seal the foil packet and bake for 15 minutes, until fish reaches 140°F.
The steam created in the sealed packet keeps the fish moist. Just be careful when opening the hot packet to avoid steam burns.
Breading and Frying
Breaded fish reheats best uncovered in a 350°F oven to recrisp the breading Fish fried in batter also does well reheated this way.
Place breaded fish on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through.
Using the Microwave
It’s best to avoid the microwave when reheating fish to prevent it from drying out or becoming rubbery. If you must use the microwave, heat fish for 30 seconds at a time at 50% power. Check after each interval, stopping when the fish is hot but still moist.
Adding Flavor
Boost flavor when reheating fish by adding:
- Fresh herbs – dill, thyme, parsley
- Citrus – lemon, lime, orange
- Spices – paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder
- Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce
- Butter, olive oil
Coat the fish with a bit of olive oil or butter before reheating to keep it from drying out. Herbs, citrus and spices can be sprinkled over the top or stirred into sauce for extra flavor.
Use an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a great way to reheat both fried and baked fish without drying it out. Air fryers use convection to circulate hot air and recreate a crispy texture.
Preheat air fryer to 320°F. Place fish in fryer basket for 6-7 minutes until heated through. Flip halfway for even cooking.
Reheating Fish Stew or Soup
To reheat fish stews, chowders or soups, use the stovetop over low heat. Bring it slowly up to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or milk if the soup seems too thick.
Once simmering, cook for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Avoid boiling to prevent fish from becoming rubbery.
Monitoring Fish Temperature
Always monitor the internal temperature of fish when reheating. Use an instant-read thermometer to test fish and make sure it reaches:
- Whole fish, steaks – 130°F
- Fillets, flaked fish – 140°F
This ensures any bacteria is killed while preventing overcooking.
Let Fish Rest Before Serving
Once fish has finished reheating, let it rest for 5 minutes before eating. This allows heat to evenly distribute through the fish and for moisture to reabsorb back into the flesh.
Slice or flake the fish just before serving for the best texture.
Storing Leftover Cooked Fish
Only reheat cooked fish that has been properly stored after the initial cooking. Refrigerate fish within 2 hours of cooking. Keep for up to 3 days max.
Freeze fish if not eating within 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Use frozen fish within 3 months.
Reheating Tips for Different Fish
- Meaty fish like salmon, halibut, tuna, swordfish and trout reheat well.
- Delicate fish like sole, flounder, and cod can dry out easily when reheated. Use extra care.
- Shellfish including shrimp, scallops, crab and lobster also reheat nicely.
- Fried fish reheats better than fish boiled or poached.
Follow these guidelines for reheating fish in the oven or air fryer for the best results. Pay attention to temperature and technique based on thickness and variety. With a little care, you can enjoy leftover fish that tastes freshly prepared.
Can you Reheat Fish?
You might have had a wonderful dinner with your favourite fish curry or soup and now you want to save the leftovers for the next day. But, can you reheat fish? No wonder you can. You can safely reheat your fish after it has been cooked. The only challenge you might face is that it can dry out or get a fishy smell. As long as you know the proper way of reheating fish, you will never have to worry about reheating the leftovers.
You can check our other blog, Can you reheat salmon?
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Reheating Fish using Toaster Oven
Toaster ovens work very well in reheating battered and fried fish. Most toaster ovens provide even and gentle heating.
- Before putting your fish in the toaster oven, cover it with foil.
- Set the oven between 275-350°F.
- Keep checking to see if it’s getting hot, and take it out when it’s done to your liking.
Best Way to Reheat Fish
FAQ
How to reheat fish in the oven?
How long to reheat fish at 350?
What are the rules for reheating fish?
How to reheat baked fish?
While there are various ways to reheat baked fish, using an oven is undoubtedly the best option for maintaining its flavor and texture. 1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) while preparing the fish. 2. Take out your leftover baked fish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
How to reheat fish & make it taste fresh?
In summary: There are three ways to reheat fish and make it taste fresh: (1) reheating whole fish with the skin in the oven, (2) reheating skinless fish fillet in the oven, and (3) warming up fish in an air fryer. Fish is, without a doubt, best when just freshly prepared in any way.
How do you reheat fish in a toaster oven?
When reheating, always follow the rule—warm slowly over low heat. It is very important that the temperature is not too high when reheating the fish, so preheat the oven or toaster oven to low temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit. You can put the fish on a baking paper and directly on the oven rack.
How do you reheat fish on the stovetop?
Here’s how to reheat fish on the stovetop in a way that preserves their crispiness and delicious flavor: • Step 1: Take the fish out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Doing this will help fish heat more evenly when you cook them. • Step 2: Heat a skillet over low heat.