Microwave kippers on a covered, microwave-safe dish for 2 to 3 minutes on high, checking for doneness at the 2-minute mark. It’s the fastest way to cook them without heating up the whole kitchen.
I reach for kippers when I want something breakfast-y that isn’t eggs again, and the microwave gets them on the plate faster than the stovetop or grill. This is exactly how I do it, plus how to keep the smell from taking over the kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- 2 to 3 minutes on high power covers most kippers. Check at the 2-minute mark and add time in 30-second increments.
- Undercooking slightly is safer than overcooking, since kippers turn dry and rubbery fast.
- Microwaving actually produces less lingering fish smell than pan-frying or grilling.
- Leftovers keep about 2 days in the fridge and reheat fine in another short microwave burst.
Table of Contents
Are Kippers Good for You?
Kippers are a type of smoked fish known for their strong, smoky flavor, usually broiled, baked, or microwaved and eaten for breakfast.
Yes, they’re good for you. Kippers are a solid protein source, rich in heart- and brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and a good source of vitamin D for bone health and immune function.
The one thing to watch is sodium. Kippers run high, so if you’re managing blood pressure, keep portions in check and pair them with other low-sodium foods through the day.
How to Cook Kippers in Microwave
- Prepare the kippers. Remove any packaging, rinse in cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Lay them on a microwave-safe dish. A squeeze of lemon or a crack of black pepper here doesn’t hurt.
- Microwave them. Cook on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, starting with 2 and checking for doneness. They should be hot through and flaky, not dry.
- Serve. Pull them carefully, since the dish and fish will be hot, and serve with bread, butter, eggs, or whatever else you like alongside.
How Long to Cook Kippers in Microwave
Start with 2 to 3 minutes on high for small to medium kippers, checking at the 2-minute mark. Larger kippers may need 4 to 5 minutes.
Either way, add time in 30-second increments rather than guessing long. Overcooking is what turns kippers dry and rubbery, and they’ll keep cooking a little from residual heat once they’re out, so it’s safer to undercook slightly than push too far.
How to Cook Kippers Without the Smell
The microwave is already your best bet here, since it produces noticeably less lingering odor than pan-frying or grilling. A few other things help too:
- Cook outside on a grill or portable stovetop if you have the option.
- Ventilate the kitchen with open windows or the exhaust fan running.
- Run an air purifier if cooking odors tend to linger in your space.
- Soak the kippers in milk for a few hours beforehand to mellow the fishy smell.
- Add herbs and spices like garlic, dill, parsley, or lemon, which help mask the smell and add flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Microwaved Kippers
- Cool completely before storing, so they don’t turn mushy in the container.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying them out further.
Reheated kippers run a bit drier than fresh, so a splash of water or a pat of butter in the dish, or wrapping them in a damp paper towel, helps bring some moisture back.
What to Serve With Microwaved Kippers?
- Toast with butter or cream cheese.
- Eggs, fried, scrambled, or poached.
- Grilled tomatoes for freshness and acidity against the smoky flavor.
- Baked beans, a classic UK breakfast pairing.
- Steamed vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli.
- Potatoes, mashed, boiled, or roasted.
- A squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness.
My Take
The microwave won’t give you the crispy skin a grill does, but for a weekday breakfast, it’s hard to beat the speed. Pair it with toast and eggs and you’ve got a real meal in under 5 minutes.
FAQs
How long should I microwave kippers?
Start with 2 to 3 minutes on high for small to medium kippers, checking at the 2-minute mark. Larger kippers may need 4 to 5 minutes, and I’d add time in 30-second increments rather than guessing long, since overcooking is what makes them dry and rubbery.
Does microwaving kippers help with the smell?
Yes, microwaving actually produces less lingering fish odor than pan-frying or grilling. I still crack a window or run the exhaust fan, and soaking the kippers in milk beforehand helps mellow the smell even more.
How long do leftover kippers keep, and how do I reheat them?
Cooked kippers keep about 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I reheat them in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, checking frequently, and add a splash of water or a pat of butter since reheated kippers tend to run drier.
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Cynthia Odenu-Odenu is the founder of Cyanne Eats. A registered nurse with a passion for food, she brings the same attention to detail from her professional life into the kitchen. From chain restaurant rankings to grocery finds and easy recipes, Cynthia covers it all and helps everyday food lovers eat better and spend smarter.
Great post!
This is very interesting, never cooked something like this before. Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you liked the post.
I have never heard of kippers! I love foods that are high in omega 3’s. I will have to try this! I love that you share how to reheat as well!
I’m glad you loved my post and found it helpful. Thank you!
Interesting! I didn’t realize Kippers were good for you. Sounds yummy!
Yes, they have a lot of health benefits. And they’re super tasty.
Surprisingly, I have never heard of the name Kippers until I read your blog. The fish looks similar to red herring, a salted smoked fish, that is often cooked in Jamaican. It has a very strong fishy smell. I like the tip of soaking the kippers in milk for a few hours to cut the odor. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
It’s great to hear that you found my blog post informative and that you enjoyed learning about kippers! Kippers are a popular breakfast dish in many parts of the UK, and they have a distinctive taste and smell that is not for everyone. Soaking them in milk is a great way to mellow out their strong flavor and make them more palatable. It’s interesting to hear that red herring is a similar type of fish popular in Jamaican cuisine – it’s always fascinating to learn about different cultural food traditions!