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