Cook until fish flakes easily. Stove Top Poaching Bring poaching liquid to a boil. Gently place fish in liquid. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until done. Do not allow liquid to return to a boil while cooking fish.
Poached fish falls apart easily, so handle it carefully after cooking.
For poaching whole fish, wrap in cheesecloth before cooking for ease in handling. Poaching liquids can be reused several times, if desired, or they can be used to make sauces to serve over poached fish.