How many minutes per inch of thickness should fish cook?

There's no simple rule of thumb for cooking fish based on thickness in minutes per inch. Here's why:

* Fish Type: Different fish species have different densities and cook at different rates. A thick fillet of cod will cook much faster than a thick piece of halibut.

* Cooking Method: The cooking method significantly impacts cook time. Baking a thick fish will take longer than pan-frying it.

* Desired Doneness: Some prefer their fish cooked through, while others like it rare.

Instead of using inches, here's a better way to judge fish doneness:

* Flaking: Cooked fish should flake easily when you gently press on it with a fork.

* Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Most fish is done between 140-145°F (60-63°C) for a flaky texture.

* Appearance: The fish will turn opaque and lose its translucent look when cooked.

General Cooking Times:

* Thin fillets (less than 1 inch): 3-5 minutes per side

* Thick fillets (over 1 inch): 8-12 minutes total (depending on method)

Always check for doneness, regardless of the time, to ensure your fish is cooked perfectly!