The number-one question people ask is, “How long, exactly?” The short answer: most fish fillets need 3 to 5 minutes per pound on high power. But here’s the catch—microwaves vary wildly in wattage (typically 700 to 1200 watts), so your mileage will differ. A thin tilapia fillet (about 6 ounces) might be perfect at 2 minutes, while a thick salmon steak could need 4 to 5 minutes. Start low, check often, and remember: fish continues to cook from residual heat after you stop the microwave. Undercook slightly, let it rest, and you’ll avoid that sad, rubbery disappointment.
Pro Tip: The Fork Test
The best way to know if your fish is done is the fork test. Gently flake the thickest part with a fork—if it separates easily and looks opaque, you’re golden. If it’s still translucent in the center, give it 30-second bursts. And please, don’t nuke it for 10 minutes straight. That’s how you get fish jerky, and nobody wants that.
