How to Choose Fresh and Firm-Fleshed Mudfish: A Guide to Selecting the Best Catch

Loach, or the weather loach as it is commonly known, is a freshwater fish found in the rivers and wetlands of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Loaches are bottom-dwellers and resemble eels in appearance, with elongated, slimy bodies. Adult loaches can weigh between 1-2kg, with a dark grey back that fades to a lighter shade on their bellies.

Loaches feed on insects that live on the water’s surface, as well as aquatic creatures such as small shrimp and mollusks. They are primarily nocturnal and inhabit higher river sections or brackish marshes near the coast.

Loach, commonly known as the weather loach

1 Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Loach

Nutritional Value of Loach

Loach is highly nutritious and offers a plethora of health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, loach is considered far more nutritious than other freshwater fish. Per 100g of loach meat, you’ll find: 16.9g of protein, 2g of fat, 3.2g of carbohydrates, 169mg of calcium, 327mg of phosphorus, 3.2mg of iron, and various vitamins including B2, PP, and E.

Health Benefits of Loach

Health benefits of loach

Kidney and Essence Tonic

Loach contains zinc, which is essential for the formation of sperm. Therefore, it is particularly beneficial for men as it promotes both the quantity and quality of sperm.

Calcium-rich for Strong Bones

Loach is an excellent source of calcium, containing up to six times more than carp and ten times more than squid or octopus. Consuming loach soup can help prevent rickets in children and osteoporosis in the elderly, reducing the risk of fractures and improving bone quality.

Cardiovascular Protection

Loach is rich in phosphorus and iron, making it highly beneficial for patients with anemia caused by phosphorus deficiency. It also helps support and protect the cardiovascular system.

Boosts Iron Levels and Treats Anemia

In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, the high iron content in loach can help treat other blood disorders. It dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces triglyceride levels in the blood, helping to regulate lipid disorders and reduce the risk of coronary artery atherosclerosis. This, in turn, lowers the chances of developing conditions such as myocardial infarction and effectively prevents cardiovascular disease.

Cancer Prevention

Research has shown that the vitamins found in loach, including vitamins A, B, C, calcium, and iron, can contribute to cancer prevention.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Loach contains an unsaturated fatty acid that has anti-aging effects on blood vessels and is particularly beneficial for the elderly. Additionally, the mucus coating its body has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Different Types of Loach

There are over 84 species of loach worldwide, and in Vietnam, the five most common types are:

Mud Loach

Mud Loach

Also known as the ricefield loach, this species is widely consumed in Vietnam due to its sweet and tender meat. Adult mud loaches can reach lengths of up to 30.5 cm, and they have three long barbels surrounding their mouths. Their bodies are typically dark-colored, ranging from pink to gray and orange, with numerous black spots.

Fire Loach

Fire Loach

The fire loach is native to Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It has a slender, elongated, and flat body with a pointed head. The body is usually gray-brown, adorned with red spots running from head to tail, and its dorsal and caudal fins are often brightly colored in red or yellow.

Tire Track Eel Loach

Tire Track Eel Loach

Also known as the chạch lấu, this loach has a long, round body with a slightly flattened tail. Its head is small, with a proportionally sized mouth. Adult tire track eel loaches can reach lengths of 50-90 cm.

Giant Snakehead Loach

Giant Snakehead Loach

The giant snakehead loach, or chạch chấu, closely resembles the river loach but has a longer and more massive body. It has a hard dorsal fin, and its body is typically dark brown with black stripes.

Adult giant snakehead loaches can weigh between 0.45-0.5 kg and reach lengths of 17-23 cm.

River Loach

River Loach

The river loach is commonly found in Vietnam’s Red and Lo Rivers. It has an elongated body with a pointed head. Its body is marked with spotted stripes, resembling python skin.

2 How to Select Fresh and Meaty Loach

Tips for selecting fresh and meaty loach

To ensure you’re getting the freshest loach, it’s best to purchase from a specialized seafood market or a live seafood store.

When choosing loach, select those that are still alive and vigorously wriggling, with a sizable body. Look for clear eyes, shiny skin, and bright red gills.

Avoid loaches that appear lifeless or immobile, as this could affect the quality and taste of the fish.

Also, steer clear of very small or skinny loaches, as they tend to have less meat and more bones.

3 Precautions When Eating Loach and How to Store It

Precautions When Eating Loach

When cooking loach, avoid using vinegar or dried apricots, as this can lead to food poisoning due to toxins. Additionally, consuming loach with its liver can cause leprosy.

Loach is a nutritious fish that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways. To eliminate the fishy smell and slippery texture, simply rub or rinse the fish with readily available ingredients like ash, hot water, bamboo leaves, or banana leaves.

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Precautions and storage methods for loach

Storing Loach

Before storing loach, ensure that you’ve cleaned and removed the gills and internal organs. Rinse the fish thoroughly, and if desired, soak it in a mixture of lemon and salt to eliminate any unpleasant odors or residue.

Once the loach is dry, place it in a sealed container or ziplock bag. For long-term storage, consider freezing the fish. However, avoid storing loach with other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

4 Delicious Dishes Made with Loach

Braised Loach with Turmeric

Braised Loach with Turmeric

Braised loach with turmeric is a specialty of the Mekong Delta region. The combination of tender loach meat and the aromatic turmeric creates a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with rice. The explosion of flavors will leave you craving more.

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Crispy Fried Loach

Crispy Fried Loach

Crispy fried loach is a tantalizing dish that fills the air with a delightful aroma. The golden-brown fish boasts a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. Enjoy it with a side of spicy fish sauce for an even more delectable experience.

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Sesame Fried Loach

Sesame Fried Loach

Sesame fried loach is a treat for the senses, with its golden-brown, crispy exterior and tender, sweet meat. It’s best enjoyed with soy sauce and a bowl of steamed rice.

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Loach Fried with Piper Sarmentosum Leaves

Loach Fried with Piper Sarmentosum Leaves

Loach fried with piper sarmentosum leaves is a flavorful dish that fills the air with a delightful aroma. The fish is seasoned just right and fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender meat. The addition of piper sarmentosum leaves adds a spicy kick, making it an excellent choice for cold days or as a beer snack.

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Loach Fried with Ginger and Lemongrass

Loach Fried with Ginger and Lemongrass

Loach fried with ginger and lemongrass is a simple yet mouthwatering dish that anyone can prepare. The combination of ginger, lemongrass, and the natural sweetness of the fish creates an irresistible flavor profile.

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Loach Fried with Cinnamon Leaves

Loach Fried with Cinnamon Leaves

Loach fried with cinnamon leaves is a quick and easy dish that adds variety to your regular fried loach. The cinnamon leaves impart a unique flavor to the fish, making your meal more exciting.

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Grilled Loach with Salt and Chili

Grilled Loach with Salt and Chili

Grilled loach with salt and chili is a delectable dish that combines the crispy skin, tender meat, and spicy, salty seasoning. Pair it with a tangy tamarind fish sauce for an irresistible flavor explosion.

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Loach Porridge

Loach Porridge

Loach porridge is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends on weekends. The soft porridge complements the tender fish