## Choosing and Preparing Fresh Fish: Tips to Remove the Fishy Odor
When selecting fish, go for the ones that are still swimming vigorously. Look for clear, black eyes, reddish-pink gills firmly attached to the body, and firm, shiny scales. When buying, observe the fish’s scales; they should be firmly attached and bright. Avoid fish with loose scales, cloudy eyes, or a lethargic appearance.
A good way to test the freshness is to press the fish’s flesh; it should be firm and spring back.
Choosing Fresh Fish and Removing the Dark Membrane to Eliminate Odor
Soak Fish in These Liquids to Remove the Fishy Odor
While fish is nutritious and delicious, not everyone enjoys it due to its distinctive odor. Different types of fish require different preparation methods. If not cleaned properly, the dish may retain a strong fishy smell, making it less appetizing.
In addition to rinsing with salt or marinating before cooking, you can neutralize the odor with some common liquid solutions. After cleaning the fish, soak it in one of these liquids to eliminate the fishy smell. These solutions are easy to prepare and made from inexpensive ingredients readily available in your kitchen.
Rice Water Soak
This traditional method involves soaking the cleaned fish in rice water for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinsing it thoroughly. It’s best to use fermented rice water as it contains lactic acid, a potent odor neutralizer formed from the conversion of starch and vitamin B1.
After soaking, rinse the fish under running water several times to remove the sour smell of fermented rice water.
Tea Soak
Prepare a bowl of tea (either black or green tea works, as they have the same antibacterial properties), let it cool, and soak the cleaned fish for 7-10 minutes. Tea is an excellent odor neutralizer, and soaking the fish in tea will also help firm up its flesh during cooking.
You can also add some green tea or a few tea leaves to the pot when stewing the fish to enhance its flavor and make it more appetizing.
Diluted Saltwater Soak
For seafood bought from distant locations, proper storage is crucial to prevent a strong fishy odor. After purchasing and cleaning, soak the fish pieces in diluted saltwater for about 5 minutes to neutralize the smell, then rinse and cook as usual.
Ginger and Alcohol Soak
Crush, mince, and mix ginger with white alcohol or cooking wine. Add water to this mixture and use it to thoroughly rinse the fish, inside and out. Both ginger and alcohol have distinct aromas and are effective in reducing the fishy smell and slime.
Milk Soak
Professional chefs often soak fish in unsweetened milk for 15-20 minutes to eliminate the fishy odor. Milk contains casein, which binds with trimethylamine in the fish, effectively removing the odor.
Soaking Fish in Milk Removes Odor and Tenderizes the Flesh
Fish Preparation Tips to Avoid Odor
To ensure the best-tasting dish, start by selecting fresh, firm-fleshed fish, indicated by clear, black eyes; reddish-pink gills firmly attached to the body; bright, firmly attached scales; and a firm, sticky texture.
Once you’ve purchased the fish, clean it by removing the scales, guts, fins, and the dark membrane inside the belly, as these parts can intensify the fishy smell if left intact.
After cleaning, soak the fish in one of the odor-neutralizing solutions mentioned above.
Finally, rinse the fish again with water, pat it dry, and marinate it with seasonings like garlic, shallots, fish sauce, coloring, pepper, and other ingredients of your choice before cooking it according to your preferred method.
How to Cook Mackerel in a Rich and Flavorful Green Peppercorn Stew, Eliminating Any Fishy Taste
Mackerel fish is a humble yet delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any family meal. While it is an affordable and healthy option, the strong fishy odor can be off-putting for some. However, with the right recipe, you can transform this humble fish into a mouthwatering delight that will have everyone asking for more. The following recipe for braised mackerel with green peppercorns eliminates the fishy odor and creates a flavorful dish that is perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.
The Ultimate Guide to Offal: Transforming Lungs with a Magic Leaf Blend for a Crispy, Tangy Treat
Pork offal, with its unique texture and taste, can be transformed into a mouth-watering delicacy with a simple trick – a handful of magic leaves. These leaves are the secret weapon to eliminating any unpleasant odors, resulting in a crisp and tantalizing treat that will have your taste buds dancing.
The Secret to Odorless Fish Storage: Achieving Golden Hue and Firm Flesh
Fish stew is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals. However, not everyone knows the secret to making it without the fishy smell, with a beautiful golden color, and firm, tasty meat.
The Secret to a Delicious and Easy-to-Make Snakehead Fish and Bitter Herb Banh Canh That’s Not Fishy-Tasting at Home
For a true taste of Vietnam, try our delicious snakehead fish and bitter melon bánh canh. The rich broth, combined with the chewy noodles and sweet, flavorful fish, creates a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Join me in the kitchen as I show you how to create this mouthwatering dish!
The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Fish: How to Remove the “Fishy” Odor and Create a Delicious, Flavorful Dish
“Master these tips to neutralize the fishy odor, making cooking with fish a breeze. These simple yet effective tricks will ensure your fish dishes are not only delicious but also free from any lingering odors.”
