Discover the following simple yet effective tips for a delicious fish stew.
1. Choosing the Right Fish

-
Opt for fresh, live, or recently caught fish; the fresher the fish, the firmer its texture, ensuring it doesn’t fall apart easily.
-
Look for vibrant-colored fish with clear eyes, red gills, and no strange odors.
-
Some of the best fish for stewing include pomfret, mudskipper, basa, snakehead, mackerel, and saury.
2. Pre-Cooking Preparation: Removing the Fishy Smell
-
Rinse the fish thoroughly with diluted salt water or rice washing water to eliminate any slime.
-
Apply vinegar, white wine, or crushed ginger to the fish prior to cooking to neutralize odors.
-
Remove all intestines, blood from the gills, and the spleen to prevent any fishy smell from lingering.
3. Marinating: The Key to Flavor and Firm Texture
-
Marinate the fish for a minimum of 30 minutes with a mixture of fish sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, finely chopped scallions, ginger, and galangal.
-
Sear the fish before stewing to tighten the skin, ensuring the flesh remains firm and further reducing any fishy smell.
-
If using coconut water, boil it first before adding it to the stew pot.
4. The Secret to a Golden, Appetizing Color
-
Use caramel coloring (reduced sugar syrup) or coconut water to achieve a beautiful golden hue.
-
Cooking in a clay pot helps retain the firm texture and enhances the flavor of the fish.
-
Simmer over low heat throughout the stewing process to ensure the fish absorbs all the flavors and remains firm.
-
For an extra touch of color, add a pinch of annatto seed powder or turmeric during cooking.

5. Techniques for a Firm Texture and Rich Flavor
-
Once the stew comes to a boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and simmer gently.
-
Avoid stirring or flipping the fish too frequently; instead, gently shake the pot or use a spoon to ladle the stew over the fish.
-
Allow the fish to cool down naturally in the pot after cooking to ensure a firmer texture.
With these tips, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering fish stew that’s free from any fishy smell, boasts a gorgeous golden color, and has firm, flavorful flesh. Impress your family with this simple yet delightful dish!
The Ultimate Beef Stir-Fry: Tender, Flavorful Perfection
With this mouth-watering marinade recipe, you’ll unlock the secret to creating a delectable stir-fried beef dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. This marinade is the key to transforming ordinary beef into a culinary masterpiece, packed with flavor and aroma that will leave you craving for more. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and indulge in a truly extraordinary dining experience.
Tasty Post-Tet Treats: Mouth-Watering Braised Dishes You’ll Love
“Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds after the festive indulgences of bánh chưng and nem rán? It’s time to spice up your meals with mouth-watering dishes that will leave you craving for more! This article will introduce you to a delightful array of flavorful stews that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible recipes that will make your mealtimes truly special.”