7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Seafood
Updated: Aug. 14, 2018We've all ruined a perfectly good piece of fish at one time or another. These cooking tips for fish let you cook it perfectly every single time.
Fish is delicious, usually easy to find at your local grocery store, and healthy to boot. Whether you’re new to the wonderful world of cooking seafood at home, or an old hand in the galley, we’ve all had a fish flub or two. It’s especially disappointing when you’ve spent a lot to purchase a pricy piece of Alaskan halibut or a beautiful, fresh tuna steak, and had it turn out poorly. We can help you overcome your cooking mistakes for good!
1. The fish is stinky.
Your fish is old, and no amount of marinade or sauce will cover that up. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask your fishmonger how long it’s been in the fish case, or if you can take a sniff. It may be better to buy frozen fish where you live. If you live in an area where frozen fish is better than fresh (it’s often frozen while it’s still on the boat!), be sure to thaw it safely (in the refrigerator) before cooking.
2. It’s falling apart.
Put down the spatula! Over-handling is not productive and can cause your fish to break and fall apart. Flip only once. Your breading will thank you and so will your family.
3. It turns out mushy.
There are three reasons your fish may wind up with a less than appetizing texture. In fact, these faux pas are so common, many people are convinced that fish just is mushy. Nope. Here’s how to fix mushy fish.
- Pat your fish dry before cooking. Excess moisture will cause the fish to steam rather than sear. Steaming causes that squishiness.
- Cook it at a higher temp. Stainless steel or cast iron cookware is best for cooking fish on the stovetop. Be patient and let the cooking oil heat—the higher the initial temp, the better the results. When the oil begins to shimmer, it’s ready.
- Use the right type of fish for the dish. Different fish have different textures, from delicate to firm. When making a seafood chowder, you’ll want a sturdy fish like cod. Tilapia will just turn to mush if simmered in a soup. Tilapia, on the other hand, takes well to searing in skillet, while cod is happy in both the oven and in a chowder.
4. It’s overcooked.
If your fish could be mistaken for jerky, you’re not along. Over-cooking is one of the leading reasons why fish turns out poorly. Using a meat thermometer can help. Remove fish from heat when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F in the thickest part of the meat. Then let it rest until it reaches 145°F, which is the USDA’s recommended minimum internal temperature.
5. The skin is floppy.
You’ve had gorgeous skin-on salmon fillets at restaurants, where the skin is crispy and delicious. But at home, not so much. So what gives? You probably started it on the wrong side. Placing your skin-on fillet in the heated pan skin side up. When you flip it over, the skin will get a nice, crisp sear (and protect the fish from overcooking). Serve it skin-side down.
6. It’s bone dry on the outside, raw in the center.
Ugh, right? Whether it’s fish or meat, let it stand at room temperature for up to half an hour before cooking to equalize the temperature between inside and out. Here again your meat thermometer can be helpful.
7. Your grilled fish tastes like, well, grill.
Your expensive king salmon fillet should taste like salmon, not charcoal. When grilling, make sure your grill is super clean! Fish easily picks up odors and flavors that can ruin it. You may also want to consider cooking your grilled fish on a piece of foil that you have perforated several times with a fork. Lightly coat it with cooking oil and fasten to clean, cold grill before placing over your heat source.
Follow these cooking techniques for fish and your seafood dinners will never be the same.
Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Tilapia with Corn Salsa
My family loves fish, and this super fast dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes as if it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We like it garnished with lemon wedges and served with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Baked Tilapia
I've decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more fish at home. After looking at easy tilapia recipes, I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it's fast, too! —Hope Stewart, Raleigh, North Carolina
Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon
Pop these protein-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
Fantastic Fish Tacos
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish tacos, I came up with this crispy, crunchy entree. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Tuna Crescent Ring
This is really easy to throw together, and I often use it when I am too tired to fix anything else. —Julia Bivens, Martinsburg, West Virginia
Easy Glazed Salmon
It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Garlic Tilapia with Spicy Kale
We make this main dish and side together, and adjust the heat from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the table. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
Speedy Salmon Stir-Fry
Salmon is a staple where I live, so I tried it in a stir-fry. My recipe has an orange glaze, but I like it with lime, too. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Crispy Fish & Chips
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Citrus Salmon Fillets with Salsa
Take lemony salmon fillets to the next level with a fresh, colorful homemade salsa. Just add a simple side of rice for a complete dinner. —Tiffany Hartpence, Lander, WY
Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce
We try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Peppered Tuna Kabobs
When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
Crunchy Oven-Baked Tilapia
This baked tilapia is perfectly crunchy. Dip it in the fresh lime mayo for a burst of bright citrus flavor. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Southwestern Fish Tacos
These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Savory Tomato-Braised Tilapia
I shared this recipe with my bunco group and now one of my friends makes it all the time. I think that's the perfect testament to just how good this dish is. —Nancy Shively, Shorewood, Illinois
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
Lime-Cilantro Tilapia
I have so much fun serving this Mexican-inspired tilapia at summer parties. Finish it off with a side of rice and a salad loaded with sliced avocadoes and tomatoes. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Cajun Boil on the Grill
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Creamy Salmon Linguine
Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Spiced Salmon
This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta
Baked Cod Piccata with Asparagus
It takes longer for the oven to preheat than it does to prepare this delicious, good-for-you dish. While it’s baking, I throw together a quick salad. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Salmon Veggie Packets
I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
Tuna Steak on Fettuccine
For something new to do with tuna, I suggest this tangy dish. Although I prefer the marinade on tuna or mahi mahi, it's scrumptious on any fish, grilled, baked or broiled. —Caren Stearns, Austin, Texas
Salmon with Root Vegetables
This cozy hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you going on busy days. We've been known to devour it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Grilled Chipotle Salmon Tacos
When fresh fish is available, I pull out my salmon taco recipe and fire up the grill. Try it with whitefish or mahi mahi, too. —Brenda Washnocok, Negaunee, Michigan
Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts
I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina
Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
These extra-special quesadillas take just minutes to make, but you'll want to savor them for as long as possible. Sprinkle the cheesy wedges with chopped fresh cilantro. —Daniel Shemtob, Irvine, California
Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas
Parmesan Fish Sticks
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Lemony Parsley Baked Cod
The trick to avoid overcooking a good piece of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
Haddock with Lime-Cilantro Butter
Here in Louisiana, the good times roll when we broil fish and serve it with lots of lime juice, cilantro and butter. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Pretzel-Crusted Catfish Bites
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my book. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Lemon Basil Salmon
My husband came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish
Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries, and get ready for smiles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tomato-Poached Halibut
My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
Walnut-Crusted Ginger Salmon
For those who aren’t wild about fish, this gingery salmon is a game-changer. Baking on foil makes for extra-easy cleanup. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
