Problembeginnerdraft
Fish falls apart
Also searched as: crumbly fish, dry fish, fish falls apart, flaky fish
In short: Too much heat: the little connective tissue has dissolved and the fibres have dried out.
Picture it
Like a book whose binding has come loose.
What happened in your kitchen?
Question 1
Was the fish fried or cooked in liquid?
All causes, by frequency
- Overcooked
Fish is done at low temperatures.
Next time: Take it off the heat earlier · A slightly translucent centre is often just right
- Boiled rapidly
Moving water tears the delicate flakes apart.
Next time: Just poach it, do not boil
- Turned too often
Cooked fish breaks easily.
Next time: Turn only once, with a wide fish slice
Related entries
Sources
- Harold McGee: On Food and Cooking (2004)