How to Remove Fishy Odor and Cook Delicious Fish Dishes

Properly Cleaning Fish Before Cooking

One of the most crucial steps to prevent fish from having an unpleasant odor is proper preparation. During this stage, simply rinsing the fish with plain water is not enough—you need to follow several important steps to ensure the fish is thoroughly cleaned.

After purchasing the fish, remove the scales, gills, fins, and internal organs. Most importantly, be sure to scrape off the dark membrane lining the fish’s belly. This black film is one of the main causes of the strong fishy smell. If it is not removed completely, the final dish will lose its freshness and aroma, no matter how carefully it is cooked.

Removing the Small Tendon Along the Fish Body

While cleaning the fish, make a small cut about 1 cm from the head. You will notice a thin white tendon appearing near the backbone. Gently pull this tendon out, then repeat the process on the other side of the fish. Removing this tendon significantly reduces the fishy odor and helps improve the overall flavor of the dish.

Using Lemon to Neutralize Fishy Smell

Lemon contains citric acid, which helps neutralize odor-causing compounds found in fish. In addition, the fresh citrus aroma effectively masks any remaining fishy smell. Rub lemon evenly over both the inside and outside of the fish to remove slime and eliminate odors. This method is simple, natural, and very effective, especially for fresh fish.

Using Vinegar to Remove Fishy Odor

Similar to lemon, vinegar contains acidic components that can break down substances responsible for unpleasant fish odors. You can dilute vinegar with water and use this mixture to rinse the fish. This helps remove excess blood and mucus while reducing the fishy smell. However, avoid soaking the fish in vinegar for too long, as prolonged exposure may soften the flesh and cause it to lose its natural firmness.

Cleaning Fish with Rice Washing Water

Rice washing water contains a small amount of starch and natural compounds that help absorb and eliminate fishy odors. Soaking the fish in rice washing water for about 15 minutes, then rinsing it thoroughly with clean water, is an effective and traditional method to remove unwanted smells while keeping the fish fresh.

Marinating Fish to Reduce Odor

Seasonings play an essential role in enhancing the flavor of fish dishes and minimizing unpleasant smells. Choosing the right ingredients will make the fish more aromatic and appealing.

A simple and effective marinade includes salt, cooking wine, scallions, and ginger. Salt helps firm up the fish flesh and reduces odor, while cooking wine is widely used to neutralize strong smells in various dishes. Scallions and ginger contain essential oils that bring out a warm, fragrant aroma. Marinating the fish with these ingredients for about 30 minutes before cooking will greatly improve its taste and smell.

Cooking Fish with Hot Water

For fish soups and braised fish dishes, it is important to use hot water rather than cold water. Cooking fish in cold water allows odor-causing compounds to dissolve into the broth, resulting in a less appealing flavor. Using hot water causes the surface of the fish to firm up quickly, locking in sweetness and preventing fishy odors from spreading into the dish.

Choosing the Right Herbs and Spices for Fish Dishes

Herbs and spices are essential components when cooking fish. Depending on the dish and cooking method, you can select suitable ingredients to enhance flavor and reduce odor.

For fish soups, aromatic herbs such as scallions, dill, and Vietnamese coriander are commonly used to add freshness. For braised fish dishes, ingredients like tea leaves or mắc mật leaves are often added to effectively neutralize fishy smells while creating a rich and distinctive flavor.