Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rid of Fishy Odor

To enhance the flavor of fish-based dishes, it is essential to master the art of odor elimination. The following tips and tricks will ensure that your fish creations are not only delicious but also free from any unpleasant fishy odors.

Administrator

9 July, 2024

1. Selecting and Preparing Fish

Fresh fish have distinctive features such as black eyes, reddish gills, and tightly attached scales. *Photo: Bui Thuy*

Choose fresh fish with signs such as black eyes, clear eyes, reddish gills, firmly attached to the flower pot, bright and tightly attached scales. The fish meat is firm and sticky when pressed. When preparing the fish, remove the scales, gut, and cut off the fins. It is essential to scrape off the black membrane and blood inside the belly and around the gills, as these are the main sources of the fishy smell. For carp, snakehead fish, and mackerel, cut close to the gills and remove the side nerve, which can also cause a fishy odor. For catfish and basa, use ash to rub and remove the slime and reduce the fishy smell.

2. Cleaning Fish with Traditional Methods

Soaking the fish in rice water is an effective way to remove the fishy smell. *Photo: Bui Thuy*

Cleaning with rice water: This traditional method is simple and effective. Soak the cleaned fish in rice water for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. According to food chemistry researchers, fermented rice water converts starch and vitamin B1 into lactic acid, which has a higher cleaning power, making it ideal for fish preparation and kitchen utensil cleaning. Afterward, rinse the fish thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove the sour smell of fermented rice water.

Cleaning with ginger-infused alcohol: Crush ginger to release its essential oils, then soak it in white alcohol. Use this mixture to rub both the inside and outside of the fish. This method effectively removes the fishy smell and adds a pleasant aroma to the dish. Rubbing the fish with salt and lemon is another popular and straightforward method. For catfish, lemon also helps to remove the slippery texture effectively. Soaking the fish in green tea or tea-infused water is also an excellent way to reduce the fishy smell, especially for saltwater fish. Foreign chefs often soak fish in milk for 15-20 minutes to quickly eliminate the fishy odor. This is because milk contains casein, which combines with trimethylamine in fish, thus absorbing the fishy smell.

3. Marinating Fish with Spices

Various spices can be used to marinate fish, enhancing its flavor and reducing the fishy smell. *Photo: Bui Thuy*

For dishes like fish stew, fish soup, or steamed fish, marinating the fish in spices not only enhances the flavor but also helps to reduce the fishy smell effectively. The choice of spices can vary according to personal preference and regional tastes. Common spices include dry onions, chili peppers, ginger, black pepper, and lemongrass. Sour ingredients are also favored for marinating fish, such as star fruit, sour grapes, lemon, pickled cucumber, or tamarind. These ingredients not only balance the flavors but also help to neutralize the fishy odor.

4. Additional Tips

Bui Thuy

Frequently asked questions

Simply rubbing your hands with a slice of fresh lemon can help neutralize the fishy smell. You can also use vinegar, baking soda, or a mixture of lemon juice and salt to create a natural hand scrub to eliminate the odor.

You can use a combination of water and vinegar, or baking soda and water, to create a cleaning solution. Soak the utensils or cookware in this solution for about 30 minutes, then wash them as usual. Alternatively, you can boil a mixture of water and sliced lemons or limes for about 15 minutes to freshen up your cookware.

It’s important to wrap fish tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Also, placing an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator can help absorb odors. Additionally, cleaning your refrigerator regularly and disposing of any spoiled food can prevent fishy odors from building up.

Yes, drinking green tea or chewing on fresh parsley or mint leaves can help neutralize fishy breath. You can also try gargling with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar, or baking soda and water, to freshen your breath.

You can add a cup of vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse cycle to help eliminate the fishy smell from your clothes. Alternatively, you can hang your clothes outside in the fresh air, as sunlight and air circulation can naturally remove odors.