Fish is an incredibly nutritious food, offering a plethora of health benefits such as enhanced brain function, improved heart health, and essential vitamins. However, many people are reluctant to cook fish due to its distinctive and unpleasant fishy odor, which often persists even after thorough cleaning. Additionally, the cooked fish may sometimes have an odd smell, making it unappetizing.
The Secret Lies in a Solution of Three Common Ingredients
With just three easily accessible ingredients, you can create an incredibly effective fish marinade. Here’s the recipe:
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1 teaspoon of salt
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1 teaspoon of white wine
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1 teaspoon of lemon juice (or vinegar)
Combine these ingredients with approximately 200-250ml of water, stirring to ensure they are well mixed. Then, soak the cleaned fish in this solution for about 10-15 minutes. For strongly scented fish like grass carp, basa, or snakehead fish, you can increase the soaking time to 20 minutes, followed by a rinse in clean water.
Why Is This Solution So Effective at Eliminating Fishy Odor?
Lemon juice (or vinegar) contains natural acids that neutralize amines, the primary cause of fishy odor. Salt acts as a disinfectant, removing slime and drawing out excess moisture from the fish, resulting in firmer flesh. White wine has a high volatility, and when combined with lemon, it expedites the odor removal process.
Interestingly, after soaking in this solution, the fish meat doesn’t become mushy; instead, it becomes firmer and sweeter as the muscle fibers contract. During cooking, the fish loses its unpleasant odor and takes on a delightful aroma and rich flavor.
Doubling the Nutritional Value of Fish
It’s important to know that improper handling can result in a significant loss of essential nutrients in fish during cooking. This soaking solution not only eliminates the fishy odor but also helps retain valuable nutrients like omega-3, DHA, and EPA, which are incredibly beneficial for heart health, nervous system function, and vision.
Additionally, completely removing the fishy odor makes it more appealing to children and the elderly, ensuring they receive the full range of beneficial micronutrients.
Important Notes When Using This Tip
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Always soak the fish after thoroughly cleaning it: scrape off the black membrane inside the belly, and cut off the fins and tail.
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Avoid soaking for too long, as it may affect the freshness of the fish.
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After soaking, rinse the fish with clean water or a dilute salt solution to avoid any lingering sour taste.
With this simple trick using easily accessible ingredients, cooking fish no longer has to be a daunting task for home cooks. By effectively eliminating the fishy odor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the meat, and preserving its nutritional value, this method deserves to be a “secret family recipe” in every Vietnamese kitchen. Try it out today and enjoy delicious and nutritious fish dishes with your family!
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