Tips

Do You Need to Gut Kèo Fish Before Cooking?

The mudskipper is a delicacy in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, with its versatile meat lending itself to a plethora of mouth-watering dishes such as hot pot, grilled with salt and chili, fried, or braised. However, a question that often arises is whether or not one should gut the mudskipper prior to cooking, and if the contents of its stomach can affect the final dish. Join us as we delve into this culinary conundrum and uncover the answers you seek!

Administrator

21 July, 2024

1 Do You Need to Gut Mud Skippers Before Cooking?

Do you know where mud skippers live? They are usually found burrowing in the mud and digging holes to hide in the riverbanks of the Mekong Delta. Mud skippers are omnivorous with short intestines, and their diet can include small shrimp, worms, and plankton.

Given their living and feeding habits, mud skippers can be considered unclean due to their muddy habitat. Therefore, it is necessary to clean (specifically gut) the mud skippers before preparing delicious dishes.

2 Simple Mud Skipper Cleaning Method

Step 1: Soak the fish in a bucket of clean water mixed with a little salt for about 10 minutes. Then, scrape off the slime and cut off the fins (do not scale the fish). You can clean the slime off the mud skipper by using hot water, fresh banana leaves, ash, or soaking them in ice-cold water. These methods help remove the slippery coating from the fish.

Step 2: Make a small incision in the belly of the fish to remove the stomach and intestines. Rinse thoroughly with water, and your mud skipper is ready to be cooked into your desired dish!

Note: Do not cook the fish whole. Due to their uncertain diet and habitat, it is crucial to clean them thoroughly before cooking.

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3 Why Do Hot Pot Restaurants Cook Mud Skippers Whole?

Many people wonder about this practice. Eating the guts of mud skippers can be harmful to our health, so why do hot pot restaurants serve them whole?

The reason is that these restaurants may have purchased the mud skippers 1-2 days in advance. They regularly change the water and do not feed the fish, allowing them to digest and expel any remnants from their intestines. This process cleanses the fish’s gut, reduces the slime, and makes it safe to consume the stomach and intestines without gutting the fish.

4 Tips for Choosing Delicious Mud Skippers

When selecting mud skippers for cooking, choose live fish with smooth, evenly sized bodies and white bellies. With these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and fatty mud skippers.

Now you know whether you need to gut mud skippers before cooking. We hope this information has provided you with valuable insights, ensuring that your dish is not only tasty but also clean and nutritious.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is generally recommended to gut a fish before cooking it. This removes any internal organs and blood that can cause a bitter taste and ruin the flavor of the fish.

Gutting a fish is an important step in preparing it for cooking. It ensures that the fish is free of any harmful bacteria or parasites that may be present in the internal organs. Additionally, it improves the taste and texture of the fish, making it more palatable.

To gut a fish, start by making a small incision behind the gills and another one at the tail. Use your fingers to gently pull out the internal organs, being careful not to rupture them. Rinse the cavity thoroughly under cold running water to remove any remaining blood or residue.

Gutting a fish offers several benefits. It enhances the taste and texture of the fish, making it more appealing to eat. Additionally, it helps remove any harmful bacteria or parasites, ensuring that the fish is safe for consumption.

While it is possible to cook a fish without gutting it, it is not recommended. Cooking a fish with its internal organs intact can lead to a bitter taste and an unpleasant dining experience. Gutting the fish ensures that it is properly cleaned and prepared for cooking.