1. Remove Scales, Slime, Gills, and Black Membrane
After purchasing your fish, start by rinsing it briefly. Carefully remove the scales, then address the slippery slime layer on the skin—a primary culprit behind fishy odors. For extra-slimy varieties like catfish or basa, a sprinkle of salt can help break down the slime more effectively.
Next, gut the fish to remove internal organs and discard the gills, which can harbor dirt and bacteria. Don’t overlook the black membrane inside the belly cavity—another major source of fishy smells. Rinse the cavity thoroughly to eliminate any residual blood.
2. Remove White Tendons Along the Fish’s Sides
This chef-approved technique is often overlooked.
After cleaning, make a small horizontal incision about 1 cm from the head. You’ll find a thin, white tendon resembling a thread. Gently pull it out using your fingers or tweezers, then repeat on the opposite side.
Culinary experts confirm that removing these tendons significantly reduces fishy odors before cooking.
3. Trim the Throat Bones
The bone near the fish’s belly, close to the head and spine, often traps remnants of organs and black membrane, making it hard to clean with water alone.
Use scissors to trim this bone, then gently scrape off any debris with your fingernail or a knife before rinsing thoroughly. This step ensures a cleaner fish and minimizes odors during cooking.
4. Flush Blood Along the Spine
Fish blood is a major contributor to strong fishy odors. Clotted blood often accumulates in the grooves along the spine.
During preparation, use your fingers or a steady stream of water to flush out any remaining blood in these areas. This simple step can dramatically reduce the fishy smell.
5. Soak the Fish Before Cooking
After cleaning, soak the fish to eliminate any lingering odors.
A quick method is to place the fish in cold water with a splash of vinegar and a few peppercorns for a few minutes before draining and drying.
Alternatively, rice water acts as a natural deodorizer. Soak the fish in rice water for 30 minutes, then rinse with clean water to noticeably reduce the fishy smell.
6. Use Deodorizing Spices During Cooking
