Can You Cook Fish in a Crock-Pot?
Slow cookers, or crock-pots, have become a staple in most households because of their convenience. You can prepare delicious slow-roasted meats and simple meals in a crock-pot with minimal prep or time spent in the kitchen.
Chili, pot roast and pulled pork aren’t the only meals that are ideal for your crock-pot. You can also make wonderful seafood recipes in your slow cooker.
Seafood has a much shorter cook time than other meats and is more prone to drying out. It is important to keep this in mind when you use your crockpot to make fish or shellfish.
Follow these simple instructions to ensure your slow cooked fish turns out perfect every time.
How to Cook Fish Fillets in a Crock-Pot
When you use your crock-pot to cook fish fillets, the key to keeping the fish flaky and moist is using aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Instructions
1. Run water over the fish fillets, if frozen, until the fillets are somewhat pliable.
2. Whether fresh or frozen, pat down with a paper towel to remove any water on the outside.
3. Dust both sides of the fish lightly with salt and paper.
4. Spread a length of foil or parchment paper out on your counter.
5. Lay the fish at the center of the foil or parchment paper.
6. Add seasonings, oil or sauce and any vegetables or lemon slices.
7. Fold foil or parchment paper over the fish and crimp along the sides so that it is enclosed.
8. Cut a second length of foil or parchment paper to line the bottom of the crockpot. Then place the fish packet on top.
9. Turn the heat on High. Cook for 2 hours.
How to Cook Chowders & Stews in a Crock Pot
When you are making a seafood chowder or stew in a crock-pot, the key is to wait to add the seafood until 30 to 60 minutes beforehand (depending on whether it is frozen or thawed).
Instructions
1. Cut up the vegetables for your chowder or stew.
2. Add the vegetables, seasonings and liquids to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on High for 2 to 3 hours or Low for 4 to 6 hours.
4. Add seafood and cook on High for 30 to 60 minutes or until the seafood is opaque.
Even the freshest fish can have a pungent smell. If you are worried that your kitchen will be filled with an unpleasant fishy smell when you slow cook seafood, you can banish that smell by soaking the fish beforehand. There are two ways to get rid of that fishy smell: soaking the fish in an acidic solution (wine, lemon juice or lime juice) or a base solution (milk).
To get rid of the fishy smell with an acidic solution, mix either one cup of lemon or lime juice with one half gallon of water in a bowl or fill the bowl with two cups of wine. Place the fish fillets in the bowl and let them bath in it for up to an hour. Then remove the fish fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel.
To banish the fish smell with a base solution, mix two cups of water with a half cup of salt in a bowl. Place the fish in the bowl and let them bath in it overnight in the fridge. Then remove the fish fillets from the bowl and pat them dry with a paper towel.
If you want more cooking tips, check out our blog archives! To find the best fresh fish in Southern New England, drop by City Fish Market right off Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield, CT!