Effective Ways to Remove the Fishy Odor from Saltwater Fish

Eliminating the strong fishy smell from saltwater fish is essential if you want your dishes to be delicious, aromatic, and enjoyable to cook. Although saltwater fish are highly nutritious and beneficial for overall health, they naturally have a more intense odor than freshwater fish. If not prepared properly, this smell can linger in your kitchen and negatively affect the flavor of your food.

To help you handle saltwater fish with confidence, here are several effective methods you can try:

1. Use Ginger Water or Diluted Lemon Juice

Ginger and lemon are classic ingredients known for their natural deodorizing properties.

• Slice some fresh ginger, lightly crush it, and mix it with water. Soak the fish in this mixture for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

• Alternatively, squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl of water and add the lemon peels as well. Soak the fish briefly before rinsing.

Both methods help reduce the fishy smell significantly. You can also rub the fish directly with lemon juice or white vinegar to remove slime and unpleasant odors. After rubbing, rinse the fish with clean water and let it drain before cooking.

2. Apply White Wine

White wine is another excellent ingredient for neutralizing strong odors.

• Rinse the fish several times with clean water to remove dirt and impurities.

• Place the fish in a bowl, add a small amount of white wine, and let it marinate for 5–7 minutes.

• Rinse again and pat dry.

Adding a splash of white wine while cooking fish dishes—such as soups, stews, or braised recipes—also enhances flavor and minimizes odor.

3. Soak in Rice Water

Rice-rinsing water is a traditional and surprisingly effective method.

• Soak the fish in rice water for about 15 minutes.

• Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Rice water helps remove both slime and odor while keeping the fish firm and fresh.

4. Use Fresh Milk (Unsweetened)

Unsweetened milk works well for deodorizing a wide range of ingredients, including seafood.

• Soak the fish in fresh milk for several minutes before cooking.

This helps soften the smell and improves the overall texture and taste. Avoid using sweetened milk, as the sugar can burn during cooking and affect the flavor.

5. Rinse with Salt Water

Salt water is simple yet highly effective.

• First, use the back of a knife to scrape off the slimy layer and any white residue around the belly.

• Remove all visible fat and blood clots inside the fish.

• Rinse under running water until clean.

• Soak the fish in diluted salt water for about 15 minutes, then rinse again and let it drain.

This helps freshen the fish and prepares it well for seasoning.

6. Use Dried Tea Leaves

Dried tea leaves are especially useful when preparing braised fish dishes.

• Place a handful of dried tea leaves at the bottom of the pot.

• Lay the fish and other ingredients on top before cooking.

The tea infuses a subtle aroma into the dish while removing the sharp fishy smell, creating a richer and more balanced flavor.

Additional Tips for Better Results

• Choose herbs and spices that complement seafood, such as lemongrass, garlic, chili, dill, and green onions. These not only enhance flavor but also help mask residual fishy odors.

• When frying or grilling, pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to reduce unwanted smells and achieve better texture.

• For whole fish, make a few diagonal cuts on the body so that the seasoning penetrates better and eliminates odors more effectively.