When dining out, fish is always a delicious choice. However, many women hesitate to cook it at home because they fear it may turn out mushy and the soup may have a strong fishy smell. If you share the same concern or have experienced a pot of fish soup gone wrong, it’s crucial to avoid these three mistakes.
3 Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Fish Soup
Failure to Remove Odorous Parts
Before cooking fish, it’s important to remove all parts that contribute to its fishy smell. These include the stomach (intestines), gills, fins, scales, tendons, and any slimy lubricant on the body. Pay special attention to the black membrane inside the fish’s stomach, as even thorough cleaning and removal of fins and debris won’t eliminate the fishy odor if it remains.
Wash the fish with water, then rinse it with white wine before giving it one final water rinse.
Avoid Putting Fish in Cold Water
Never add fish to a pot of cold water before it reaches boiling point. Placing fish in cold water and immediately cooking it will cause it to break apart and become mushy, which is undesirable. Instead, consider briefly frying the fish before adding it to the soup pot. While not mandatory, this step can enhance the texture and flavor of the fish.
Don’t Skip Marinating the Fish
Marinating fish with spices is essential for achieving flavorful results, especially when making fish soup. After cleaning the fish, marinate it with aromatic spices like pepper, onions, chili, and ginger. The quantity of spices used for marinating may vary based on the size and weight of the fish portion used for the soup. However, avoid marinating the fish for more than 30 minutes or using excessive seasoning.
Note: Not all types of fish are suitable for making fish soup. Ideal choices include snakehead fish, pike, flathead fish, or bass. To ensure a delicious fish soup, opt for one of these four fish varieties. If these options aren’t available, don’t hesitate to seek advice from the seller regarding the best fish for soup preparation!
Armed with this information and these suggestions, you’ll be able to prepare delectable fish soup without any unpleasant fishy aroma or mushiness. If you’ve been primarily consuming braised or fried fish, try your hand at cooking fish soup occasionally to add some variety to your meals.