How to cook kippers in the microwave
Kippers are a popular and nutritious dish that can be easily prepared in the microwave. Cooking kippers in the microwave is quick and convenient, making it a great option for those busy mornings or when you’re short on time.
Before cooking the kippers, it’s important to understand what they are. Kippers are smoked herring fish that have been split and gutted, with their heads and tails intact. They have a rich and robust flavor that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.
To cook kippers in the microwave:
Step 1: Begin by rinsing the kippers under cold water to remove any excess salt or oil. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Place the kippers on a microwavable plate and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help to retain the moisture and prevent the fish from drying out.
Step 3: Microwave the kippers on high heat for two to three minutes, or until they are heated through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the size of the kippers. To ensure they are cooked properly, check for internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Once cooked, carefully remove the plate from the microwave. Be cautious as the plate and the contents will be hot. Allow the kippers to rest for a minute before serving.
Cooked kippers can be enjoyed on their own as a main course, or served with slices of lemon, freshly toasted bread, and a dollop of creamy butter. They make for a filling and satisfying breakfast or lunch option.
So, the next time you’re craving a delicious and nutritious meal but don’t have much time to cook, give this quick and easy method of cooking kippers in the microwave a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Preparing the kippers
Before cooking the kippers in the microwave, it’s important to prepare them properly. Follow these steps to ensure that your kippers are cooked to perfection:
1. Defrost the kippers (if necessary)
If you have frozen kippers, you will need to defrost them before cooking. Place the kippers in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave, if available. Make sure the kippers are completely defrosted before proceeding with the cooking process.
2. Rinse the kippers
Thoroughly rinse the kippers under cold running water. This will help remove any excess salt or brine they may have been packaged in. Pat the kippers dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Remove the skin (optional)
If you prefer to cook your kippers without the skin, you can remove it with a sharp knife. Start by making a small incision near the tail and gently peel off the skin, working your way towards the head. Rinse the kippers once again after removing the skin to ensure all scales and residues are removed.
4. Season the kippers
Season the kippers to your taste. You can use a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, or add some extra flavor with herbs and spices such as dill, thyme, or paprika. Rub the seasoning into the flesh of the kippers to ensure even distribution.
Once the kippers are prepared, you are ready to cook them in the microwave. Follow the instructions for cooking the kippers thoroughly and enjoy a delicious and convenient meal!
Washing and preparing the kippers
Before cooking the kippers in the microwave, it is important to properly wash and prepare them. This ensures that the kippers are clean and ready to be cooked to perfection.
Step 1: Rinse the kippers
Start by rinsing the kippers under cold running water. This helps remove any excess salt or brine from the outside of the fish. Hold the kippers under the water for a few seconds, gently rubbing them with your fingers to ensure all surfaces are rinsed.
Step 2: Pat dry with paper towels
Once rinsed, gently pat the kippers dry with paper towels. Removing the excess moisture prevents splattering in the microwave and helps the kippers cook more evenly and crispy.
With the kippers properly washed and prepared, you are now ready to cook them in the microwave following the recipe instructions.
Seasoning and marinating the kippers
Before cooking your kipper in the microwave, it’s important to season and marinate it to enhance its flavor. Here are some ideas for giving your kipper a delicious twist:
1. Salt and pepper
Start by seasoning your kipper with salt and pepper. This classic combination will bring out the natural taste of the fish and add a touch of savory goodness.
2. Lemon juice
Add a fresh citrusy flavor to your kipper by squeezing some lemon juice over it. The tanginess of the lemon will perfectly complement the richness of the fish.
If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can lightly sprinkle lemon zest over the kipper once seasoned.
3. Herbs and spices
Enhance the aroma and flavor of your kipper by using herbs and spices. Some popular options include dill, thyme, parsley, and paprika.
Simply sprinkle your desired herbs or spices over the seasoned kipper, ensuring an even distribution, before proceeding to marinate.
4. Olive oil
Give your kipper a luscious taste by marinating it in olive oil. The richness of the oil will not only enhance the flavor but also help keep the fish moist during cooking.
Coat the seasoned kipper with a thin layer of olive oil using a brush or drizzle it over the fish until it is fully covered. Alternatively, you can use melted butter for a different flavor profile.
Remember to let the kipper marinate for at least 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
Once your kipper is properly seasoned and marinated, you are ready to proceed with cooking it in the microwave.
Cooking the kippers
Once you’ve prepared your kippers by rinsing them under cold water, patting them dry with a paper towel, and removing any excess scales, it’s time to cook them in the microwave. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked kippers:
Microwaving step 1: Covering
Place the kippers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help prevent them from drying out during the cooking process and also minimize any spattering.
Microwaving step 2: Cooking time
Microwave the kippers on high for about 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of the kippers, so it’s essential to keep an eye on them. The kippers are cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Note: Overcooking the kippers can result in a dry and rubbery texture, so be careful not to overdo it. Start with the recommended cooking time and adjust as needed.
Once the kippers are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the microwave using oven mitts or tongs. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Once the kippers are cooked, they can be enjoyed in various ways, such as being served on buttered toast, accompanied by boiled eggs, or served with a side of mustard or horseradish sauce. The choice is yours!
So, grab some kippers, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delicious meal in no time with the convenience of your microwave.
Placing the kippers on a microwave-safe plate
When cooking kippers in the microwave, it’s important to start off by placing the kippers on a microwave-safe plate. This will ensure that the kippers cook evenly and that they don’t stick to the plate.
Make sure to choose a plate that is suitable for use in the microwave. Avoid using plates with metal accents or plates that are too thin, as they can cause sparks or become too hot to handle.
Once you have selected a microwave-safe plate, lay the kippers flat on the plate. Make sure to leave enough space between each kipper to allow for even heat distribution. If you are cooking multiple kippers, try to arrange them in a single layer to ensure that they cook evenly.
If the kippers are frozen, you can defrost them beforehand or cook them directly from the freezer. Defrosting them will result in quicker and more even cooking, but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.
After placing the kippers on the plate, they are ready to be microwaved. Remember to cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe wrap to prevent excessive moisture loss and splattering.