Why Fish Develops a Fishy Odor
Fish contain amino acids such as trimethylamine and dimethylamine, which are weakly basic compounds that produce a fishy odor. The level of these amino acids is very low in freshly caught fish. However, as the fish gets older, the fishy smell increases.
There are multiple ways to eliminate the fishy odor when cooking fish soup.
Tips to Prevent Fishy Odor when Cooking Fish Soup
- Choose fresh fish
This is one of the most important steps to prevent fish soup from smelling fishy. The fresher the fish, the less likely it is to have a strong odor, and the sweeter the meat will be. Look for fish with clear, black eyes. The scales should be intact and firmly attached to the body (for scaled fish). The gills should be reddish-pink.
If buying a whole fish, choose one that is still swimming and flailing vigorously. If buying fish that has already been cut into pieces, select portions that have good elasticity and bright-colored meat.
- Preliminary processing of the fish
Once you’ve purchased your fish, it’s important to clean and scale it, remove the guts and gills, and cut off the fins. Additionally, don’t forget to scrape away the black membrane inside the belly, as this is often an overlooked cause of the fishy odor.
- Rinse the fish with odor-neutralizing ingredients
You can rinse the fish with rice water, a traditional method used by many cooks. Soak the fish in rice water for about 10 minutes, then rinse it with clean water, and let it air dry. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of crushed ginger and white alcohol to neutralize odors. Apply this mixture both inside and outside the fish; the alcohol and ginger will help remove slime, excess blood, and any fishy smell.
Another effective method is to use a combination of lemon and salt crystals. Rub these ingredients directly on the inside and outside of the fish, then rinse with clean water. For slippery fish, lemon will effectively remove the slime.
- Cook the fish soup with sour ingredients
Sour ingredients such as tomatoes, sour apples, green plums, tamarind, sour bamboo shoots, sour star fruit, sour mangoes, sour grapes, lemons, vinegar, fermented beans, and pickled bamboo shoots can all be used to cook fish soup and effectively reduce its fishy odor. These sour ingredients contain acids that react with trimethylamine in the fish to form soluble salts, thereby eliminating the fishy smell.
- Use astringent ingredients
Astringent ingredients such as banana flowers and green bananas can also help eliminate the fishy odor. For example, green bananas contain tannin, a natural astringent that helps neutralize the amino acids responsible for the fishy smell.
- Add spicy ingredients
When cooking fish soup, consider adding spicy ingredients like ginger, chili peppers, onions, garlic, and pepper to reduce the fishy odor and enhance the flavor of the dish. In traditional Chinese medicine, fish is considered cooling, so the warmth of these spicy ingredients helps balance the dish.
- Use aromatic herbs
Aromatic herbs are essential when cooking fish soup. The choice of herbs will depend on the region and personal preference. In northern Vietnam, for example, fish soup is often cooked with scallions and coriander, while in the southern region, people prefer to use rice paddy herb and saw-leaf herb. These herbs have distinct aromas that not only enhance the flavor of the soup but also help mask any remaining fishy odor.
By following these simple tips, you can effectively eliminate the fishy odor from your fish soup and create a delicious and appealing dish.
“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.”
6 Tips to Remove the Fishy Odor – The Secret to a Perfect Dish
“The pungent odor of fish often deters many from cooking it. Fear not, as with these simple tips and tricks, you can effectively eliminate the fishy smell, resulting in a delightful and appetizing dish.”
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.
Soak Fish in This Magic Water: Eliminate Fishy Odor and Enhance Meat Sweetness by Twofold
A quick rinse with plain water won’t do the trick when it comes to eliminating the fishy odor and maintaining the taste of your catch. However, by soaking your fish in this special solution for just a minute, you can effectively neutralize any unpleasant odors. This simple step ensures your fish not only smells fresh but also tastes sweeter.
