Fish stew is a familiar dish in Vietnamese cuisine. When paired with white rice, it becomes incredibly appetizing. However, not everyone knows how to prepare a delicious stew without the fish tasting fishy. Below is a five-star chef’s secret recipe for eliminating the fishy odor and preparing a mouthwatering stew.
How to Eliminate the Fishy Odor Before Stewing
Soak the fish in salted water or vinegar: Dilute 1-2 tablespoons of salt or 2 tablespoons of vinegar in 1 liter of water, and soak the fish for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Vinegar and salt help neutralize the fishy smell.
Use lemon or ginger: Rub the fish with lemon juice or fresh ginger slices, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse. Ginger and lemon not only remove the odor but also enhance the flavor of the fish.
Soak with diluted rice wine: Soak the fish in a mixture of one part rice wine and three parts water for about 5 minutes, and then rinse. The alcohol effectively eliminates the fishy odor.
Use milk: Soak the fish in unsweetened milk for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse. Milk absorbs the fishy smell and tenderizes the meat.
Marinate before cooking: After cleaning the fish, marinate it with ginger, garlic, shallots, or pepper to mask the fishy odor. These ingredients also add flavor to the dish.
Remove the internal organs and black membrane: Thoroughly clean the internal organs, gills, and black membrane inside the belly of the fish, as these are the main sources of the fishy odor.
How to Choose Fresh Fish
Select fresh fish to minimize the fishy odor from the start. Rinse the fish under cold running water to remove slime and impurities. Apply the above methods based on your available ingredients and personal preferences!
Ingredients for Fish Stew
– Fresh fish: 500g – 1kg
– Good quality fish sauce: 3-4 tablespoons
– Sugar: 2 tablespoons
– Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
– Shallots, garlic: 3-4 cloves
– Fresh chili or chili powder: adjust to taste
– Coloring agent: 1 tablespoon
– Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
– Fresh coconut water or filtered water: 200-300ml
– Scallions, ginger
How to Stew Fish Without the Fishy Odor
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
First, clean the fish, remove the intestines, and scale it. Rinse it with diluted salt water or lemon juice to eliminate the fishy smell. Then, cut it into pieces of your preferred size and let it air dry.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
Mix the fish with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, chopped shallots, chopped garlic, and some chili (if you like it spicy). Marinate for about 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
Step 3: Prepare the Coloring Agent
Put 2 tablespoons of sugar in a pot and heat it over low heat until the sugar melts and turns into a dark brown color. Add 1 tablespoon of water to create a coloring agent, stirring continuously.
Step 4: Stew the Fish
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot (preferably a clay pot for better flavor). Sauté the shallots, garlic, and ginger (if using). Place the marinated fish in the pot and pour the coloring agent over it.
Then, add fresh coconut water (or cooled boiled water) until the liquid is almost level with the fish. Season with 1-2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of sugar, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the fish to absorb the flavors, and the stew to thicken. Occasionally turn the fish over to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the stew has reduced, sprinkle some pepper and chopped scallions on top. Turn off the heat and let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
“The Secret to Delicious, Non-Fishy Stew: Four Tips for Tender Meat and a Fragrant, Crystal Clear Broth”
“Unleash the master chef within and impress your family with these four simple tips for creating a delicious, fragrant, and clear fish soup. It’s time to elevate your culinary game and make every meal a delightful experience.”
The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Fish Soup: The Secret Ingredient That Takes Away the Fishy Smell and Enhances Its Sweetness
With this mouth-watering fish soup recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious dish that eliminates any hint of that distinctive fishy odor.
“The Ultimate Fish Transformation: Immerse Any Fish in This Magical Liquid to Eliminate Odor, Enhance Sweetness, and Amplify Flavor”
When it comes to preparing fish, whether it’s from the sea or freshwater sources, there’s a simple trick to ensuring your final dish is “just right”. By soaking and rinsing the fish in these specific types of water, you can eliminate any fishy odor, resulting in firmer and more delicious meat. This process guarantees a more precise and delectable outcome for your culinary creations.
The Secret to Cooking Shrimp: How a Handful of Herbs Can Transform Your Dish
“Boiled shrimp may seem like a simple dish, but achieving that perfect flavor and texture can be a challenge. Many home cooks struggle with ensuring the shrimp remain firm and flavorful, avoiding the common pitfalls of a bland, watery, or fishy taste. It’s a delicate balance that requires precision and a few insider tips to get it just right.”
The Secret to a Perfectly Clear, Sweet, and Odorless Fish Soup: A Simple Trick Using a Surprising Ingredient
Fish soup is a delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for the summer months. But creating a sweet and savory broth without any hint of fishiness requires skill and knowledge.
