How to Cook Frozen Fish Filets? [5 Best Ways]
Sometimes I can’t find fresh fish anywhere, and in such moments it’s usually frozen fish for the win! And fish filets especially come in handy because they’re done in a blink! You can prepare them in numerous ways, seasoned with salt and pepper over a bowl of rice, covered in breadcrumbs, or even baked in the oven with some veggies. So the main question here is: “How to cook frozen fish filets?”
You can prepare frozen fish filets in a pan, oven, air fryer, grill, and stove. The best thing is they don’t need to thaw at all, just season them abundantly and sprinkle them with olive oil and citruses. Cooking time isn’t longer than half an hour, yet the fish will be soft and succulent.
Fish filets are a tip-top solution whether you want a swiftly prepared lunch or dinner. I also like serving them with homemade marinade and loads of veggies. What I choose as a side dish depends solely on how much time and effort I’m willing to invest. Read on to find out my favorites — both methods and sides — when it comes to fish filets!
How to Cook Frozen Fish Filets in the Pan?
The best saucepans to use for cooking fish filets are non-stick or grill pans. These dishes don’t require much oil, so your filets won’t be soaked in oil. They tend to absorb the oil, so avoid that by brushing filets lightly with it.
You can choose any type of oil, but fish and olive oil are forever a perfect match for me. Also, neutral oils like canola, grapeseed, or peanut will work as a charm, too. Firstly, bring the pans to medium heat and place the seasoned filets.
Next, fry your filets till brownish on one side, without covering it, for approximately 3 minutes. The trick is to season it after turning it on the other side, so the seasonings wouldn’t burn. Cover the juicy and tender filet with a lid and sizzle for 6 to 8 minutes.
Frozen fish prepared this way will be luscious with a touch of crisp on the outside. My favorite way to serve it is with potato-onion salad and drizzle with citrus generously for a touch of Mediterranean. Yum!
How to Cook Frozen Fish Filets in the Air Fryer?
If you fancy extra crunchy fish filets, opt for air frying. This method doesn’t require even a pinch of oil; just arrange them in the air fryer basket covered with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Also, season them before cooking — besides salt and pepper, I love adding some basil, rosemary, and parsley or cilantro.
Heat up your fryer to 380 °F and leave them in for about 10 minutes. Even though this is enough time for them to be cooked, turn them over after 10 minutes, and put them back in for 5 or so more for crispiness. They will be ready for you to serve when they are gold-brown!
The best part is you can prepare the sides at the same time. For a better version of fast food, you can make some sweet potato fries for additional crunch. Serve it with a delicious dip, like tartar or spicy brown mustard, with a few drops of lemon juice for a citrusy touch.
Even though you don’t really need to thaw your frozen fish, you need to know how to do it properly if you ever happen to have to. So, here’s how you would do just that!
How to Cook Frozen Fish Filets in the Oven?
The oven gives a similar texture to air-fried filets. The first step is to preheat the oven to 425 °F. Prepare the baking tray and cover it with bakery paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent adhering.
Now’s the time to season your fish or sprinkle it with some marinade. Then you can bake till golden and crispy, which is for about 20 minutes. If you’re aiming for a melt-in-mouth texture, cover the tray with aluminum foil before putting it into the oven.
Oven-baked frozen fish filets go along delightfully with steamed veggies like broccoli, baby carrots, and cauliflowers. My best bet, though, is asparagus — it makes a fine addition to fish filets, especially when oven-roasted. Serve it with some parsley, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and lemon sauce for superb flavor.
How to Cook Frozen Fish Filets on the Grill?
If you didn’t know, you can actually cook frozen fish filets on the grill! Aluminum foil comes to the rescue here, as well. You only need to place it on the grill rack to prevent fish juices from dripping, and that’s it.
Season your fish generously, and don’t forget olive oil and lemon juice. The best grill to use here is the one with a lid, but if you don’t own one, don’t worry. You can either place the aluminum foil with the filet on a high-heated grill rack, or you can wrap the fish in foil and grill on both sides.
Cover it with a lid and leave it for about 20 minutes. The main indicator of ready-to-eat fish is the dehydrated and crunchy moisture with herbs around the fish. It comes out delicious!
How to Cook Frozen Fish Filets on the Stove?
This is an extremely simple method, as you just need to simmer the filets for about 3 minutes. You may think this would make it pretty tasteless, but not really. You just have to season your fish properly with spices and herbs!
I also have a perfect trick for a one-pot meal! Add some veggies like carrots, onion, and garlic, with lemon juice and seasoning, like you’re making a bouillon.
You need to cook them about 20 minutes in advance and then crumble the fish. Everything will be ready in less than half an hour; just sprinkle it with some olive oil and salt to taste and enjoy.
A frozen fish filet pie is another great idea! You will need more time and effort for this one, though, so make sure you’re ready beforehand. It will definitely make a delicious dish for the whole family.
You can also steam your frozen fish filets on the stove!
If you opt for steaming, though, you’ll need about 20 minutes for the fish to be done. You can also steam some veggies simultaneously, like carrots, potatoes, or asparagus. Just prepare the marinade in the meantime, and you’re good.
How to Make Fish Filets Taste Better?
There are a few simple ways to prepare frozen fish that tastes as flavorful as the fresh one. For starters, you can rinse your frozen dish with some water. This will prevent it from getting soggy and tasting like the freezer. Don’t forget to pat it dry with paper towels afterward, though.
The key to delish frozen fish is seasoning, so use it lavishly. You can use sea salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, garlic, dill, parsley, and oh so many more. Also, never skip the marinade! It doesn’t need to be fancy at all; my go-to frozen fish marinade is as simple as it gets — olive oil, lemon, and herbs are more than enough.
How do you give flavor to your frozen fish filets? Do you use any of these methods? I would love to read your thoughts in the comments below!
How to Cook Frozen Basa Fillets?
Ingredients
- 4 Basa Fish Filets
- 3 tbsp Butter melted
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Pepper
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 °F. Prepare the baking tray and cover it with baking paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the butter, lemon juice, and the seasonings together.
- Line up your frozen fish filets on the tray (you don't have to thaw them, but you can if you wish).
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the filets.
- Bake them till golden and crispy, which is for about 20 minutes. If the fish flakes when probed with a fork, it's done.
- Enjoy with a side of your choice!
