Can You Reheat Fish?

Yes, most cooked fish can be reheated, though it demands more care than meat or vegetables. Fish protein is delicate and responds poorly to high heat: it dries out quickly, the texture becomes chalky, and the smell intensifies. The solution is consistent: low temperature, a moisture source, and less time than you’d expect.

Can You Reheat Fish?

Yes. Cooked fish keeps in the fridge for three to four days in a sealed container. Fish is a higher-risk protein, so refrigerate within one hour of cooking and reheat to 63°C (145°F) throughout rather than the standard 75°C used for other proteins. Do not reheat fish more than once. Raw or partially cooked fish that was chilled and is now being finished should be treated as raw and cooked to temperature, not reheated.

Why Reheated Fish Often Smells Strong

Fish contains trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), a compound that is essentially odourless. As fish ages and when exposed to heat, TMAO breaks down into trimethylamine (TMA), which has the characteristic sharp, ammonia-like smell associated with old or poorly reheated fish. High temperatures accelerate this reaction dramatically. Reheating at 130°C instead of 180°C makes a measurable difference to the smell in both the fish and the kitchen.

Reheating Fish in the Oven

The most reliable method for fillets, whole small fish, and fish cakes.

1. Take the fish out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before reheating.
2. Preheat the oven to 130°C (265°F).
3. Place in an oven-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water, white wine, or fish stock to the dish.
4. Cover tightly with foil. The steam from the liquid keeps the flesh moist and the foil contains the smell.
5. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Thicker fillets take closer to 15 minutes; thin fillets like sole or plaice need less.
6. Check by pressing gently in the centre: the flesh should give slightly and feel warm, not hot and tight.

Reheating Fish on the Stovetop

Good for fish in a sauce or fish cakes where you want some caramelization on the surface.

• Fish in sauce: add to a pan over medium-low heat, cover, and heat gently for three to four minutes, stirring the sauce occasionally
• Fish cakes: a lightly oiled pan over medium heat, two to three minutes per side, covered for the first side to warm the interior before crisping the exterior

Reheating Fish in the Microwave

Not recommended for plain fillets, but acceptable for fish in a rice bowl, pasta, or similar dish where the surrounding food moderates the heat.

• 50% power only: full power creates hot spots that overcook sections
• 30-second bursts, checking and turning between each
• Cover with a damp paper towel
• The smell will be more noticeable than with oven reheating

Which Method Should You Use?

When you have leftovers, the first thing you want to think about, is how you are going to reheat the dish. When it comes to fish, you have very limited options, as most ways will lead to rubbery, dry fish. In order to avoid that, here are a few ways to reheat your stellar fish dinner.

Fried Fish

Fried fish will need to either be baked or fried once more. To reheat using the oven, simply place the fish on a piece of foil, on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place the sheet into the oven. Bake until crispy. For this method, use your nose to tell you when the fish is done, as different fish will heat at a different pace.

Baked Fish

If you made a baked fish dinner, simply put it back in the oven to reheat it. Cover with foil and warm the fish at about 300 degrees. When using the oven, always make sure you keep an eye on your food as it may heat differently the second time it is exposed to heat!

Grilled Fish

Grilled fish has a wonderful smoky flavor that cannot be matched! To keep the flavor, you can wrap the fish in oiled foil, and placed over indirect heat. Reheating your fish will depend on the thickness of the fillets, however a good rule of thumb is about 15 minutes.

Most fish-based meals can be grouped into one of the three catergoiries, so be sure to heat them accordingly! Never microwave fish as it will make it very chewy and rubbery. Not to mention it will make your microwave stink for a few day unless you clean it immediately. When it comes to reheating fish, you can always reheat it in the manner that it was prepared. So what are you waiting for, use up the leftovers and get more essitnal vitamins and minerals for your fish dinner.