1. Selecting and Preparing Fish
Fresh fish have distinctive features such as black eyes, reddish gills, and tightly attached scales. Photo: Bui Thuy
Choose fresh fish with signs such as black eyes, clear eyes, reddish gills, firmly attached to the flower pot, bright and tightly attached scales. The fish meat is firm and sticky when pressed. When preparing the fish, remove the scales, gut, and cut off the fins. It is essential to scrape off the black membrane and blood inside the belly and around the gills, as these are the main sources of the fishy smell. For carp, snakehead fish, and mackerel, cut close to the gills and remove the side nerve, which can also cause a fishy odor. For catfish and basa, use ash to rub and remove the slime and reduce the fishy smell.
2. Cleaning Fish with Traditional Methods
Soaking the fish in rice water is an effective way to remove the fishy smell. Photo: Bui Thuy
Cleaning with rice water: This traditional method is simple and effective. Soak the cleaned fish in rice water for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. According to food chemistry researchers, fermented rice water converts starch and vitamin B1 into lactic acid, which has a higher cleaning power, making it ideal for fish preparation and kitchen utensil cleaning. Afterward, rinse the fish thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove the sour smell of fermented rice water.
Cleaning with ginger-infused alcohol: Crush ginger to release its essential oils, then soak it in white alcohol. Use this mixture to rub both the inside and outside of the fish. This method effectively removes the fishy smell and adds a pleasant aroma to the dish. Rubbing the fish with salt and lemon is another popular and straightforward method. For catfish, lemon also helps to remove the slippery texture effectively. Soaking the fish in green tea or tea-infused water is also an excellent way to reduce the fishy smell, especially for saltwater fish. Foreign chefs often soak fish in milk for 15-20 minutes to quickly eliminate the fishy odor. This is because milk contains casein, which combines with trimethylamine in fish, thus absorbing the fishy smell.
3. Marinating Fish with Spices
Various spices can be used to marinate fish, enhancing its flavor and reducing the fishy smell. Photo: Bui Thuy
For dishes like fish stew, fish soup, or steamed fish, marinating the fish in spices not only enhances the flavor but also helps to reduce the fishy smell effectively. The choice of spices can vary according to personal preference and regional tastes. Common spices include dry onions, chili peppers, ginger, black pepper, and lemongrass. Sour ingredients are also favored for marinating fish, such as star fruit, sour grapes, lemon, pickled cucumber, or tamarind. These ingredients not only balance the flavors but also help to neutralize the fishy odor.
4. Additional Tips
Bui Thuy
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How to Properly Use and Maintain a Blender
In the summer heat, cool smoothies can be quickly prepared with the help of a blender. To ensure it works well and lasts for many years, with good maintenance and regular cleaning, the blender should be well-taken care of.
