How can you help poached fish retain its shape?

Answer by  NicoletteArensKramer (49)

Put your fish into a very clean, white, dishtowel and put that in the liquid to keep the fish in shape. After poaching let off the heat a bit you can gently peal off the dishcloth and tumble the fish over on a plate, keep therefore a plate upside down and turn it again with the fish on it.

Answer by  craik (128)

Above all, make sure the water doesn't boil. The fish will break up if the water boils. Wrapping the fish in cling wrap or several layers of cheesecloth also helps. Some cooks use a fish kettle or fish poacher. Whole fish and fish steaks poach more easily than filets.