How can I tell if my fish is cooked?

Cooking fish can be intimidating, especially if you’re not sure if it’s cooked all the way through. Overcooking fish can make it dry and rubbery, while undercooking it can leave it raw and unsafe to eat. Knowing how to tell if your fish is cooked is an important part of mastering the art of cooking fish.

The best way to tell if your fish is cooked is to use a thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish and make sure it reaches the center. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for fish. If the thermometer reads this temperature, your fish is cooked.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also tell if your fish is cooked by looking at it. Cooked fish should be opaque and flake easily when you press it with a fork. If the fish is still translucent and doesn’t flake, it’s not done yet.

Another way to tell if your fish is cooked is to look for signs of doneness. If the fish is browned on the outside and the edges are slightly curled, it’s probably done. If the fish is still pale and the edges are straight, it needs to cook a bit longer.

Finally, you can tell if your fish is cooked by smelling it. Cooked fish should have a pleasant, mild aroma. If it smells fishy or off, it’s not done yet.

Knowing how to tell if your fish is cooked is an important part of mastering the art of cooking fish. By using a thermometer, looking for signs of doneness, and smelling it, you can ensure that your fish is cooked to perfection every time.