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The Odor-Busting Milk Miracle: A Fresh Approach to Fishy Fragrances.

Whether you're a seafood lover or not, there's no denying that fish has a distinct odor that can be off-putting to some. While there are numerous methods to eliminate the fishy smell, one surprising hero stands out: fresh milk. Yes, you heard it right! Fresh milk can effectively neutralize the pungent odor of fish, and we're here to spill the beans on this nifty trick.

Administrator

12 October, 2024

1 Using Milk to Neutralize Fish Odor

A simple yet effective trick! After buying your fish, submerge it in a bowl of fresh milk for about 20 minutes. Then, remove it and air dry. This method doesn’t just get rid of the fishy odor but also enhances the taste and freshness of the fish meat.

2 The Science Behind Milk’s Odor-Removing Properties

The presence of Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in marine life, particularly fish, is the reason milk works so well to neutralize the fishy smell. This chemical helps fish survive in saltwater by counteracting its effects. If TMAO were absent from fish meat, the salt in the water would draw out moisture from their bodies through osmosis.

In summary, TMAO is beneficial to live fish. However, after their death, this chemical converts into Trimethylamine (TMA), which is the primary source of the fishy odor. The longer you wait to cook the fish, the stronger this smell becomes.

Milk, on the other hand, contains Casein, a protein that binds with TMA and effectively neutralizes the unpleasant fishy smell. Additionally, while TMA reduces the sweetness of the fish, milk enhances its flavor and completely eliminates the odor.

3 Alternative Methods to Remove Fish Odor

Besides milk, there are a few other easy tricks to remove the fishy smell. Choose the method that suits your preferred cooking style!

– For Fried Fish: Combine lemon juice and water in a 1:1 ratio. Apply this mixture to the fish and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This process will eliminate the fishy odor, and then you can proceed with frying as usual.

This method not only removes the odor but also enhances the taste and smell of your fried fish! Alternatively, you can cut thin lemon slices and squeeze the juice onto the fish to reduce the fishy aroma.

– For Steamed or Boiled Fish: To neutralize the fishy odor when steaming or boiling, soak the fish in washed rice water for about 20 minutes before cooking. This method is similar to using milk and yields great results!

Now you know the secret to eliminating fish odor using milk! Give it a try, and you’ll be impressed with the results. Happy cooking!

Reference: afamily.vn

Frequently asked questions

Soaking fish in fresh milk for 20 minutes reduces the fishy odor, enhances its taste, and maintains freshness. Milk contains Casein, a protein that binds with Trimethylamine (TMA), a chemical responsible for the fishy smell, and neutralizes it effectively.

Trimethylamine is a chemical compound present in fish, known as TMA in short. It is formed from the conversion of Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), which is beneficial to live fish in saltwater. After the fish’s death, TMAO turns into TMA, causing the fishy odor to strengthen over time if left uncooked.

Yes, for fried fish, a mixture of lemon juice and water in equal parts can be applied and left for 15 minutes before frying. This enhances the taste and smell of fried fish. Alternatively, thin lemon slices can be squeezed onto the fish. For steamed or boiled fish, soaking it in washed rice water for 20 minutes before cooking effectively neutralizes the odor.