Microwaving fish is a quick and easy way to cook it, but the smell can sometimes linger in your microwave. Cooking fish in parchment paper or foil pouches is a good solution to contain the odors. But is it safe to microwave fish in parchment paper?
The short answer is yes, you can microwave fish in parchment paper. Parchment paper is safe to use in the microwave as long as you follow a few guidelines. The parchment paper contains the smells, steams the fish evenly, and makes for easy cleanup.
Benefits of Cooking Fish in Parchment Paper
Microwaving fish in parchment paper has several benefits:
Contains Smells and Splatter
Fish is notorious for producing strong odors and splattering oil when cooked uncovered in the microwave. The parchment paper contains these annoyances so your microwave doesn’t reek of fish afterwards.
Even Steaming
The parchment paper creates a little steam pouch that evenly cooks the fish. No need to worry about some parts drying out or cooking faster than others.
Easy Cleanup
With all the cooking contained in the parchment paper, there is minimal mess left over in the microwave. Just throw away the parchment paper after cooking.
Saves Time
Microwaving fish in parchment paper is a fast cooking method. The fish cooks quickly and evenly in just a few minutes.
Adds Flavor
You can add herbs, lemon slices, or other flavorings inside the parchment paper pouch. As the fish steams, the flavors infuse it.
Choosing the Right Parchment Paper
Not all parchment papers are created equal when it comes to microwaving. You need to use a paper specifically meant for oven and microwave use.
Avoid Waxed Paper
Do not use waxed paper, as it can melt in the microwave and get into your food.
Look for Oven-Safe Labeling
Make sure the parchment says “oven-safe” or “non-stick.” Reynolds and Smart & Final are examples of oven-safe parchment brands.
No Substitutions
Parchment paper is not the same as wax paper or aluminum foil. Only real parchment paper is microwave-safe.
How to Microwave Fish in Parchment Paper
Microwaving fish in parchment paper takes just a few easy steps:
Cut the Parchment Paper
Lay two sheets of parchment paper down and cut them into a large heart or oval shape. Make sure the paper is big enough to wrap your fish.
Place Fish in the Center
Put the fish fillet or steak in the middle of the parchment paper. Top with seasonings like lemon, herbs, pepper or salt.
Fold the Paper Over the Fish
Bring the two sides of the parchment paper together over the fish. Fold down the edges all around to seal the pouch.
Microwave 3-6 Minutes
Microwave the fish for 3-6 minutes depending on thickness. Let it rest 2 minutes before opening.
Open Carefully
The steam will be very hot when you open the parchment pouch. Carefully unfold at the edges.
And that’s it! Your fish is evenly steamed and ready to eat. The parchment paper can go directly in the garbage.
Pros and Cons of Microwaving Fish in Parchment Paper
Below is a table summarizing the main pros and cons of this cooking method:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains smells and splatter | Can’t add breadcrumbs or toppings |
| Ensures even steaming | Parchment paper costs money |
| Minimizes cleanup | Needs to cool before opening |
| Saves cooking time | Can only cook small fillets |
| Infuses flavor | Condensation forms inside |
As you can see, the biggest pros are containing the mess and odors and evenly steaming the fish. The cons are having to buy parchment paper and being limited in ingredients and portion sizes.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Here are some top tips when cooking fish in parchment paper in the microwave:
Don’t Overlap the Paper
Make sure the parchment paper edges are folded together but not overlapping. Overlapped sections can cause steaming problems.
Add a Little Liquid
Squirt lemon juice, wine, or broth into the pouch to help create steam.
Use Flat Fillets
Thin, flat fish fillets steam more evenly than thick steaks. Halibut, tilapia, flounder all work well.
Keep Portions Small
Cook individual 4-6 oz portions rather than huge fillets. Large pieces won’t cook evenly.
Let It Rest
As soon as it comes out of the microwave, let the pouch rest for 2-3 minutes before opening.
Poke a Vent Hole
Use a toothpick to poke one small steam release vent before microwaving.
Best Fish to Microwave in Parchment Paper
These types of fish work extremely well when steamed in parchment paper:
Tilapia
Mild, thin tilapia fillets cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.
Salmon
Rich salmon retains moisture well during microwave steaming.
Cod
Flaky cod fillets steam to tender perfection in minutes.
Mahi Mahi
Buttery mahi mahi has a delicate texture ideal for parchment cooking.
Haddock
Lean haddock cooks up flaky and tender with little odor.
Shellfish
Shrimp, scallops and clams steam perfectly in microwave parchment pouches.
Flavorful Recipe Ideas
Microwaving fish in parchment paper is a blank canvas for creativity. Try these recipe ideas:
Lemon Pepper Tilapia
Top fillets with sliced lemons, butter, parsley and cracked pepper.
Cajun Catfish
Rub Cajun seasoning over catfish before steaming.
Soy Ginger Salmon
Marinate salmon in soy sauce, ginger and garlic before cooking.
Shrimp Boil
Mix shrimp with sausage, corn, onions and Old Bay seasoning.
Scallop & Spinach
Add lemon juice and baby spinach to scallops before steaming.
Clam & Chive Pouches
Mix clams with butter, garlic, wine and chives.
Can You Microwave Any Parchment Paper?
No, you need genuine oven-safe parchment paper for the microwave. Regular parchment or waxed paper can melt or burn when microwaved.
Look for sheets specifically labeled as microwave and oven safe up to at least 400°F. Brands like Reynolds, If You Care, Beyond Gourmet and Bee’s Wrap all make microwave-safe parchment.
Do not attempt to microwave fish in just any parchment or waxed paper. Make sure you are using the proper heat-resistant kind to avoid a fire hazard.
Is It Better to Microwave Fish in Parchment Paper or Foil?
Parchment paper is the better choice for microwaving fish. Here’s why:
Metal Can Damage the Microwave
Aluminum foil can cause arcs and sparks in the microwave, potentially damaging the appliance. Parchment is microwave-safe.
More Even Heating
Foil tends to create hot and cold spots when microwaving. Parchment paper heats gently for consistent steaming.
Easier to Work With
Parchment paper is simpler to fold into pouches around the fish compared to stiff aluminum foil.
Safer Puncture Risk
If foil gets poked or torn, it can cause problems. Parchment has a lower puncture risk.
For super easy, mess-free microwaved fish, parchment paper is the best choice over aluminum foil pouches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While cooking fish in parchment paper in the microwave is easy, there are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Using the Wrong Paper
Make sure you are using oven-safe parchment, not waxed paper or generic parchment.
Overlapping the Seams
Don’t let the folded edges overlap at all. This prevents proper steam circulation.
Packing It Too Full
Don’t overstuff the pouches. Leave room for steam to circulate and cook evenly.
Not Venting Properly
Without a vent hole, pressure can build up. Always poke a small steam vent before cooking.
Microwaving Too Long
It’s easy to overcook fish in the microwave. Follow recipe cook times closely.
Forgetting to Rest
Let the pouch rest for 2-3 minutes before opening to prevent steam burns.
Cooking Fish from Frozen
For best results, thaw frozen fish before cooking. But in a pinch, you can microwave from frozen in parchment paper.
Add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cook time if starting with frozen fish. And use flattened fillets no more than 1/2 inch thick for even cooking. The parchment will steam the fish safely to doneness.
Is Parchment Paper Microwave Safe?
Yes, as long as it’s the right type of parchment paper. Look for oven-safe parchment specifically designed for use in the microwave. Standard parchment or waxed paper cannot withstand microwave heat.
Brands like Reynolds and If You Care sell parchment paper labeled “oven-safe” or “non-stick” that are also safe for the microwave. Using the proper microwave-safe parchment paper is a must.
Can You Put Parchment Paper in the Microwave?
You can put parchment paper in the microwave as long as it is labeled for oven and microwave use. Generic parchment or waxed paper will melt from microwave heat and should never be used.
Look for parchment specifically designed for high heat like baking or broiling. Brands like Reynolds, Smart & Final and Beyond Gourmet make parchment sheets that are microwave-safe up to temperatures of 425°F and higher.
As long as you have the right heat-resistant parchment paper, it can go straight in the microwave with no issues. Just avoid any waxed or non-oven-safe parchment which can catch fire or melt.
Conclusion
Microwaving fish in parchment paper is a quick, healthy and mess-free cooking method. It steams fish evenly, contains odors and splatter, and makes cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to use oven-safe non-stick parchment paper and follow microwave pouch guidelines carefully. In no time, you’ll be enjoying perfectly steamed fish from the convenience of your microwave.