1 Eliminating Bitterness from Carp
Carp tend to have bitter-tasting gall when purchased, which can affect the taste and be harmful to health. As carp gall is insoluble in water, simply rinsing the fish won’t do the trick.
The best way to remove the gall is to rub the fish with a small amount of white alcohol or fermented powder, and then rinse it with clean water.
2 Odor Removal
On both sides of the carp, there is a white tendon running along the spine. When removing the fish’s gills, cut close to the spine and you’ll see the tendon. Use tweezers to remove this tendon, and the fishy odor will disappear.
If you’re still concerned about the odor, you can soak the carp in water mixed with vinegar or lemon juice to effectively eliminate any remaining fishy smell.
3 Steaming Carp
When steaming carp, it’s recommended to place a piece of ginger inside the fish to warm the belly, neutralize any remaining odor, and enhance the flavor.
Adding a piece of chicken fat under the fish before steaming will make the carp taste richer and sweeter without being greasy.
Laying a few slices of onion underneath the fish ensures even cooking and adds a pleasant aroma without causing the fish to fall apart.
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4 Frying Carp
For the best results when frying carp, deep-frying is the way to go. This method ensures that the scales and skin become deliciously crispy, while the flesh remains firm, sweet, and non-greasy, and it prevents the fish from sticking to the pan.
Before frying, make sure to thoroughly dry the fish with paper towels. Also, add a few slices of fresh ginger to the oil to enhance the flavor and prevent the fish from disintegrating.
Fry the fish over low heat, allowing one side to turn golden before flipping it over.
5 Cooking Carp Soup
To make a tasty carp soup without any fishy odor, cook the carp with ingredients that have a sour taste, such as tomatoes, pineapples, or tamarind.
Frying the carp before adding it to the soup will result in firmer and sweeter flesh.
If you don’t want to fry the fish first, bring the soup to a rolling boil before adding the carp, and then continue cooking over high heat.
Carp is at its most delicious and nutritious within 1-2 hours of being gutted. With these tips, you can now confidently prepare delicious carp dishes for your family to enjoy.