Home Food & Receipts The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Eel Muck: Removing the Slime, the Eel-y...

Food & Receipts

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Eel Muck: Removing the Slime, the Eel-y Way

8 June, 2025

Here are some simple and effective methods to clean eel mucus, leaving the eel fresh and odorless, ready for cooking into delicious dishes, from porridge to hot pot.

Why is it necessary to clean and deodorize eel mucus?

The slimy outer layer of eels is a breeding ground for bacteria and the main cause of the fishy odor. Improper cleaning can not only affect the taste but also have negative effects on your health.

5 Easy Ways to Clean Eel Mucus at Home

Method 1: Using Salt and Lemon

Instructions:
- Rinse the eels briefly.
- Place them in a large bowl and add salt along with the juice of 1-2 lemons.
- Use your hands to rub the eels and remove the slime.
- Rinse again with clean water.
Advantages: This method quickly removes the mucus, and lemon effectively eliminates the fishy odor.

Simple ways to clean eel mucus, eliminating the fishy smell and making it suitable for various dishes.

Method 2: Using Ash (Traditional Folk Method)

Instructions:
- Roll the eels in dry ash until the slime comes off.
- Rinse again with diluted salt water or warm water.
Advantages: This traditional method, favored by many older homemakers, ensures the eels remain intact without breaking apart.

Method 3: Using Rice Vinegar

Instructions:
- Pour rice vinegar directly onto the eels.
- Gently rub to remove the slime.
- Rinse with cold water.
Advantages: Vinegar effectively removes the fishy odor and keeps the eel meat firm.

Method 4: Using Hot Water (around 60–70°C)

Instructions:
- Dip the eels in hot water for 1-2 minutes.
- Then, scrub them with salt to get rid of the mucus.
Note: Avoid using boiling water as it will cook the eels, making further preparation difficult.

Method 5: Using White Wine

Instructions:
- Pour white wine over the eels and gently rub them.
- Rinse with cold water afterward.
Advantages: Wine quickly eliminates the fishy odor and makes the eel meat firmer and more fragrant during cooking.

Tips to Prevent Eel from Becoming Fishy During Cooking

Parboil the eels before cooking: This helps remove blood and reduce the fishy odor from the bones.
Marinate with ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric: These ingredients have warming properties that effectively mask the fishy smell.
Cook with Asian basil, ngò (Coriandrum sativum), perilla, or pepper: This enhances the flavor and makes the dish more appetizing.

Cleaning and deodorizing eel mucus is a crucial step in eel preparation.

Delicious Eel Dish Suggestions After Cleaning

Nghe An Eel Porridge: A nutritious dish for the sick and children.
Crispy Eel Glass Noodle Stir-Fry: A tasty and hearty breakfast option.
Eel Cooked with Banana Blossoms and Tofu: A mouthwatering beer snack that goes well with rice during rainy days.
Eel Soup with Asian Basil: A delicious and effective remedy for the common cold.

Notes When Buying Eel

Opt for wild eels with a golden color, small yet firm bodies.
Avoid oversized farmed eels with black skin or abnormally glossy skin, as they may be injected with water or treated with chemicals.

With these simple methods, you can confidently prepare and enjoy various delicious and nutritious eel dishes at home without worrying about the unpleasant slime and odor. Go ahead and treat your family to these tasty and healthy meals!