Tips

“Make Fish Odorless and Grease-Free with These Kitchen Staples”

Catfish, mudskippers, and basa are delicious but notoriously slippery and challenging to clean. For those who struggle with preparing these fish, this article reveals handy tips to effortlessly remove the slime and reduce the fishy odor.

Administrator

23 July, 2024

Cleaning slippery fish with simple ingredients such as ash, salt, lemon, or lime can be a breeze with these easy steps. These methods are especially useful for removing the slimy layer on catfish or oily fish, making preparation a lot easier.

1 Using Salt

Use salt to remove the slime

For fish with less slimy skin, such as basa or hù cá, simply rubbing salt on the fish for a few minutes will do the trick. Rinse the fish under running water, and you’ll notice the slime is gone.

For fish with oilier skin, like walking catfish or mudskippers, a little extra step is needed:

Step 1 Place the fish in a mesh bag or a small-holed colander. Sprinkle salt over the fish and shake vigorously, rubbing it against the colander. The slime will come off due to the friction and salt.

Step 2 Take the fish out and rinse it under running water, and it’s ready for cooking.

2 Using Lemon or Vinegar and Warm Water

Use lemon or vinegar with warm water

Lemon or vinegar is a popular choice among cooks to remove fish slime. Here’s how:

Step 1 Place the fish in a colander and add a little salt. Pour lemon juice or vinegar over the fish and mix well.

Step 2 Next, pour warm water over the fish and let it sit for a few minutes. The slime will coagulate and can be easily rinsed off with water.

Tip:
– To further reduce the fishy smell, rinse the fish with rice washing water before giving it a final rinse with clean water.
– Avoid using hot water as it will remove the fish’s skin.

3 Using Lime (Cal)

Using lime (calcium hydroxide) is a traditional method, often used by families who chew betel leaves and have easy access to lime. Here’s how:

Apply the lime on the fish’s skin and scrub it with banana leaves. The slime will come off, and the banana leaves will help neutralize the fishy smell.

4 Using Ash

This method has been used by homemakers for ages and is still common in rural areas where ash is readily available.

Coat the fish with ash, allowing it to absorb the slime. Gently stroke the fish from head to tail to remove both the ash and the slime. Rinse the fish, and it’s ready for cooking.

5 Using Flour

If the above methods don’t work for your fish, try this alternative approach:

Step 1 Wash the fish with salt and vinegar, then thoroughly rinse it with water.

Wash the fish with salt and vinegar

Step 2 Apply a thin layer of potato, corn, or rice flour on the fish’s body. Gently stroke the fish, allowing the flour to absorb the oil.

Apply flour to remove oil

Step 3 Rinse the fish with water, and use ginger and lemon to neutralize any remaining fishy smell.

Use ginger and lemon to remove the smell

These simple tricks will make preparing slippery fish a lot easier. Give them a try and choose the method that works best for you.

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Frequently asked questions

There are a few simple tricks you can use to make your fish dishes odorless and grease-free. First, choose fresh fish and avoid those with a strong fishy smell. Soak the fish in a mixture of milk and water for 10-20 minutes to help remove any odors. Pat the fish dry and then marinate it with ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or a blend of spices to further reduce any fishy smell. When cooking, use healthy oils like olive or canola oil, and cook the fish on medium heat to prevent grease splatter. Adding ingredients like ginger, scallions, or garlic can also help to neutralize odors.

The fishy odor is often a result of a compound called trimethylamine, which is produced when bacteria break down nutrients in the fish. To prevent this, it’s important to start with fresh, high-quality fish. Buy your fish from a reputable source and look for signs of freshness, such as clear eyes, bright red gills, and firm flesh. Store the fish properly, keeping it refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to cook it. Also, don’t overcook the fish, as this can intensify any odors.

To remove fish odor from your hands, simply rub them with a slice of lemon and wash them with soap and warm water. For kitchen utensils and surfaces, create a natural cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar, and use it to wipe down countertops, cutting boards, and utensils. You can also use baking soda as a gentle abrasive to scrub away any stubborn odors. Rinse everything thoroughly with water afterward.

Soaking fish in milk is an effective way to reduce odors and improve the texture of the fish. The lactic acid in milk helps to break down the fish’s outer layer, making it more tender and flavorful. It also neutralizes any strong smells, resulting in a milder-tasting dish. This technique is particularly useful for strong-flavored fish like salmon or mackerel.

There are several healthy and delicious alternatives to frying fish. You can bake, grill, poach, or steam your fish to reduce the amount of grease and calories in your dish. Baking fish in a foil packet with vegetables and herbs is an easy and flavorful option. Grilling fish gives it a nice charred flavor, and it can be done indoors on a grill pan or outdoors on a barbecue. Poaching fish in a flavorful broth is another gentle cooking method that preserves the fish’s moisture and nutrients.