How can you tell if fish is cooked properly?

The proper indication that fish is cooked correctly is that it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. When fish is raw or undercooked, it typically has a translucent appearance and may not separate easily. As the fish cooks, the proteins undergo changes that cause them to denature, leading to the opaque texture. Flakiness indicates that the fish has been cooked through, which is essential for both safety and palatability.

The color of fish can vary, and while some types may have a bright pink hue (like salmon), this is not a universal indicator of doneness across all fish varieties. A firm texture can be misleading, as some fish naturally have a firmer feel even when undercooked. Finally, a strong fishy aroma is actually a sign of spoilage rather than proper cooking. Therefore, the key indicators of doneness are the opaque appearance and the ability to flake, making it the most reliable and universal method for determining if fish is cooked properly.