Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Fish Odor: A Simple, Effective Home Remedy

The pungent odor of fish is often a deal-breaker for many, deterring them from embracing this nutritious food source. But fear not, as there are simple ways to eliminate the fishy smell and enjoy fish without any reservations. Discover the secrets to relishing this fresh delicacy, free from any off-putting odors, with easy-to-follow tips that will transform your culinary experiences.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Fish is a delicious and nutritious food, and it’s a versatile ingredient for family meals. However, if not cleaned and prepared properly, the fishy odor can ruin the taste of your dish. This is especially true for catfish and eels. Don’t worry, though; these methods for preparing fish will help eliminate that strong odor quickly.

1 Using Salt

Before scaling and cleaning the fish, you can directly rub salt all over the fish or mix some salt with water. When you taste the water, it should be slightly salty. Then, soak the fish in the saltwater for 5 to 10 minutes.

After soaking or cleaning the fish with saltwater, the fishy smell will be significantly reduced, and you’ll barely notice it even when you sniff closely. The fish will also be less slimy.

2 Using Ginger

Crush and slice the ginger, then add it to a bowl of water. Soak the fish in this mixture for about 5 minutes. The ginger will quickly neutralize the fishy odor, and it will also enhance the flavor of your dish.

3 Using Rice Water

Rice water is highly effective in removing the fishy odor. After cleaning the fish, cut it into small pieces and soak them in rice water for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, rinse the fish with clean water to get rid of the odor completely.

4 Using White Vinegar or Alcohol

Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar or alcohol into a small bowl of water and stir well with a chopstick or spoon. Soak the fish in this mixture for about 2 minutes, making sure the fish is fully submerged. Then, remove the fish and let it drain in a colander; there’s no need to rinse it with water.

If you’re steaming the fish, adding a little alcohol to the steaming water will help eliminate the fishy smell. Alternatively, when marinating the fish with other spices, add a few teaspoons of alcohol (adjust the amount according to the quantity of fish) to neutralize the odor and make the fish meat softer and more absorbent.

5 Using Lemon

Cut the lemon into small pieces, preferably using fresh lemons. You can use lemon pieces that have been used once to save money, but avoid using pieces that have been sitting for too long, as they may contain harmful bacteria. Rub the lemon pieces all over the fish, then rinse with clean water and let it drain.

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6 Using Milk

After cleaning the fish, soak it in a bowl of milk for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the fish and let it drain in a colander; there’s no need to rinse it with clean water.

This method not only eliminates the fishy smell but also makes the fish meat more fragrant and tasty.

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7 Using Strongly Fragrant Spices

Marinate the fish with strongly fragrant spices such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger. This will make your dish extremely flavorful, and you won’t detect any fishy odor at all.

Dishes with fish as the main ingredient, such as fried, braised, or stewed fish, should be served immediately while still hot. This not only makes the dish more appetizing but also helps to avoid the unpleasant fishy smell that can develop when the dish cools down.

It’s important to note that after the cleaning and preparation process, the fish should be thoroughly drained to reduce the fishy odor effectively.

We hope that with these tips, homemakers can learn the proper ways to prepare fish to quickly eliminate the fishy odor and always create delicious and nutritious meals.

Frequently asked questions

To eliminate fish odor from your home, create a simple, effective home remedy by mixing baking soda, lemon juice, and hot water. Apply this mixture to the source of the odor, such as a countertop or cutting board, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping it off. This will neutralize the fish smell and leave your home smelling fresh.

Fish odor can persist due to the oily nature of fish, which can leave a residue on surfaces. The odor-causing molecules can also linger in the air and attach to fabrics, carpets, and other porous materials. Using the home remedy mentioned above can help neutralize these odors and prevent them from lingering.

The baking soda in the remedy acts as a natural odor absorber and neutralizer. Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, breaking down the odor-causing molecules. Hot water helps to activate the ingredients and ensure they penetrate the source of the odor.

Always test the remedy on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage to the surface. Wear gloves and protect your eyes when handling lemon juice as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Keep the remedy away from children and pets, and always dispose of it safely after use.

This remedy is safe for most surfaces, including countertops, sinks, cutting boards, and appliances. However, avoid using it on delicate or porous surfaces like natural stone countertops, as the acid in lemon juice can etch or damage them. For such surfaces, use a milder solution of baking soda and water without the lemon juice.