Can You Defrost Salmon in the Microwave? Pros and Cons?

The microwave must be one of the best kitchen assistants you may have. It offers a quick and convenient method to thaw your frozen food when you are short on time. So, is it suitable for all foods? Can you defrost salmon in the microwave?

This thawing method has pros and cons. We are here to guide you through it. So, let’s check this guide to find the answer and learn how to thaw your frozen salmon safely!

Can You Defrost Salmon in the Microwave?

Yes, you can. This method is the fastest way to defrost frozen salmon. Yet, it may result in uneven thawing, changing the taste and texture of your fish.

Many people choose to defrost their frozen salmon in the microwave to save time. This process is also easy to follow, and you can pull it off in three steps.

Step 1: Unpack the Salmon

Remove your salmon from its packaging. If it comes in plastic wrap, you must remove it completely. Otherwise, the plastic may melt during the defrosting process, releasing harmful chemicals into your food.

Step 2: Put the Salmon in a Microwave-Safe Container

Choose a microwave-safe container that is big enough to accommodate your fish. Ceramic and glass dishes are the best options here.

Do not use metal containers, as they may damage your microwave. Sometimes, when the microwave can’t penetrate the metal, the radiation will bounce back to the container’s interior. This effect causes heat to accumulate continuously, damaging your microwave circuit in the long term.

Step 3: Set Up the Microwave

Place your salmon in the container, ensuring that it lies flat. If you defrost more than one fillet, do not stack them on top of each other to allow for even defrosting. Remember to cover your container with microwave-safe paper to prevent splattering.

Next, check your microwave. It should be clean and in good working condition. If everything looks fine, place your container in the microwave and choose the defrosting setting. You need to set it aside for three to five minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your fish.

Press the start button and wait. It would be best to flip and rotate the salmon every 30 seconds so the heat can reach all sides.

There can be ice particles after the process. In this case, allow the carryover heat to continue defrosting your fish in the microwave.

Related: Top 5 of the 3-In-1 Microwave Air Fryer Oven

How Long Does It Take for Salmon to Defrost in the Microwave?

The time required to defrost salmon in the microwave varies depending on multiple factors, such as:

• Thickness and size of the salmon: The bigger the fillet, the longer the defrosting time. While smaller fillets can thaw within three minutes, your microwave may require up to five minutes to handle thicker cuts. It’s a good idea to start with a shorter time and check the progress constantly.
• The power of the microwave: The power level of microwaves will differ from model to model. Hence, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific defrosting instructions.

Dos and Don’ts Defrosting Salmon in the Microwave

Thawing frozen in the microwave is a straightforward process. However, you must follow safety precautions while handling it. So before you go, check the dos and don’ts when following our guides.

Dos

• Use a paper towel to get rid of excess moisture from your salmon. This tip can help avoid overcooking and drying out your fish.
• Some microwaves heat unevenly. Hence, keep an eye on your salmon when it defrosts within the microwave.
• Cook the defrosted salmon right after thawing it to avoid bacterial development.
• Check the internal temperature of the cooked salmon to ensure it’s safe before serving it. It should be around 145 degrees.
• Your salmon may leave an unpleasant smell in the microwave. If you notice it after defrosting, keep the microwave door ajar for a while. And if the smell persists, clean the machine using water, vinegar, lemon juice, or soap.

Don’ts

• Do not let your salmon stay at room temperature before and after thawing it. This condition encourages harmful bacteria to develop.
• Non-microwave-safe containers are a no-no.
• Do not leave the fish in your microwave for too long. The heat of this machine is enough to defrost it within a few minutes.
• Avoid defrosting salmon in the microwave when you have other options.

We will discuss all the possible methods in the next sections of this guide.

Pros and Cons of Defrosting Salmon in the Microwave

Thawing salmon in the microwave has both pros and cons. Here are some things to expect before trying this defrosting method:

Pros

• Convenience: There are only three steps to defrost salmon in the microwave. This approach eliminates the need for planning and allows for immediate thawing when you want to cook the fish.
• Time-saving: You just need three to five minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you must prepare your meal quickly.

Cons

• Texture and flavor change: Microwaving may compromise the quality of your salmon. For example, its texture and flavor will change.
• Moisture loss: Defrosting salmon in the microwave will cause moisture loss, making it drier than other thawing methods. You have to wrap it properly to minimize this effect.
• Uneven thawing: If you don’t monitor and flip the fillet correctly, some areas of the fish may overheat. Meanwhile, others remain partially frozen.
• Limited batch size: The size of your microwave limits the quantity of salmon you can defrost at once. If you want to thaw large portions or multiple fillets, you must repeat defrosting, which can be time-consuming.

How to Cook Salmon that Has Been Thawed in the Microwave

After defrosting the salmon, it’s time to cook it. There are multiple ways to do it, and here is a general process that can apply to all:

• Gently pat the defrosted fish using a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Season the salmon with your favorite spices. The most common options are pepper, salt, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Choose a cooking method, which can be baking or grilling. If you want to bake it, preheat your oven first. Then, place the salmon on a baking sheet, and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. On the other hand, grill the salmon for about six to eight minutes per side.
• Keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking.

Should I Thaw My Salmon Before Cooking It?

Yes. Thawing salmon before cooking it is better for several reasons:

• Proper cooking: Defrosting the fish allows for more even and consistent cooking. If you cook frozen salmon directly, the exterior may overcook while the interior remains undercooked.
• Texture and taste: Cooking frozen fish will change its texture significantly, making it mushy.
• Cooking time: You need to double the cooking time when skipping the defrosting step because frozen salmon requires more time to reach the desired level of doneness.

What Is the Best Way to Defrost Salmon?

Aside from microwaving, you can defrost salmon in cold water and in the refrigerator. This video will show you how to defrost salmon in these two methods:

Each defrosting method has pros and cons. So, before opting for the best one, check this comparison first.

You can defrost salmon in cold water, but remember to change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. This method can help preserve the texture and quality of the fish.

Refrigerating the frozen salmon is the best way to defrost it. However, you have to do it overnight so the fish has enough time to thaw properly.

Among the three methods, microwaving is the fastest. However, since it will change the quality of your food, consider the other two for defrosting your salmon.

Please note that the specific times we mention are general estimates. They can also vary depending on the size of the salmon.

Additionally, follow food safety guidelines strictly, no matter which method you choose. It’s the only way to prevent bacterial growth inside your food.

FAQs

Is It Safe to Defrost Salmon in the Microwave?

Yes. Defrosting salmon in the microwave is safe if you follow these tips:

• Use a microwave-safe container.
• Rotate and flip the salmon to ensure even defrosting.
• Check for doneness after defrosting. If needed, continue thawing it in short intervals.

Can You Defrost Salmon in Hot Water?

It’s not recommended to defrost salmon in warm or hot water because you will put the fish in the danger zone (40 to 140 degrees Celsius).

Moreover, submerging salmon in hot water may cause uneven thawing. The outer layers thaw more quickly than the inner parts, leading to the risk of partial cooking.

Can I Cook Frozen Salmon?

Yes, you can, but you shouldn’t. The heat needs a long time to cook the exterior before touching the interior. Hence, it will affect the texture of your food. In some cases, you can’t cook the fish evenly.

If you still choose this method, you may sacrifice the quality of your salmon. Also, pay attention to its doneness while cooking. A thermostat can help with this task.

Can You Thaw Salmon in the Packaging?

No. Salmon often comes in styrofoam or plastic packages. Unfortunately, these materials can’t withstand the heat from the microwave. If microwaved, the packages will melt and release melted content into the fish.

Why Does Salmon Explode in the Microwave?

Salmon may explode in the microwave since it contains natural fats and water. The high heat from the microwave turns those liquids into steam and will explode. This issue can arise even when you don’t use your microwave at full power.

To stop the salmon from exploding while microwaving, ensure its internal temperature doesn’t go too high. Also, the fat and juices can escape somewhere. You can pierce the fish with a fork before microwaving it. 

Conclusion

The microwave can be a convenient device for defrosting salmon. Yet, it’s essential to follow proper techniques to guarantee food safety and preserve the quality of the fish.

You can also thaw the frozen salmon in cold water or in the refrigerator. Consider your case to opt for the safest and most convenient way to handle your food.

Thank you for reading!