1. Why Does Fish Have a Fishy Smell?

Fish is a food with a distinctive “fishy” odor, and most types of fish have a very strong smell. This is because fish contain mucous glands that produce Trimethylamine (TMA), which creates the characteristic fishy smell. In a normal air environment, TMA easily disperses, which is why we often notice the fishy smell more at typical temperatures.

2. Some Methods to Get Rid of the Fishy Smell from Fish

2.1 A mixture of salt, ginger, and lemon

After buying and cleaning the fish, to remove the smell before cooking, you should rub the fish with salt and ginger and let it sit for 10 minutes. The purpose of using ginger is to neutralize the fishy smell, as it contains active compounds that reduce the production of TMA. Ginger is also a common spice in Vietnamese cuisine; besides removing the smell, it makes the dish more delicious after cooking.

After neutralizing with ginger and salt for 10 minutes, wash the fish again with water (diluted with a little lemon juice), and then you can cook without worrying about the fishy smell.

2.2 Soaking in a mixture of salt and vinegar

To save time and quickly handle the fishy smell, dilute salt and vinegar and soak the cleaned fish in the mixture for 15 minutes. This method helps you speed up the process while still getting rid of the unpleasant smell.

After soaking in the diluted salt and vinegar, you just need to rinse the fish with water, and it’s ready to be cooked into a delicious meal.

2.3 Lemon and salt

After cutting the lemon, dip it in salt and rub it on the skin of the fish. This helps remove the slime on some catfish species like Pangasius. Using lemon and salt may not be as effective as the two methods above, but it is still good for removing the smell when the fish’s odor is not too strong.

>>Some of the most common types of catfish today>>

2.4 A formula to thaw frozen fish without it becoming fishy

For frozen fish, there is a quick, convenient, and time-saving method to both thaw it and remove the fishy smell.

Combine 4 parts cold water with 1 part hot water, then add salt and lemon. If you don’t have a lemon, you can substitute it with vinegar. Place the fish in this mixture and thaw for 15-20 minutes. This combination of temperature and ingredients not only helps the fish soften quickly but also makes it easier to remove the fishy smell.

2.5 Using Rice Water to Remove Fishy Odor from Fish

Rice water has many uses in cooking across Asian countries. When you’re preparing rice, save the water you use to rinse it. You can then use this leftover rice water to soak the fish for about 15–20 minutes. Afterward, take the fish out, rinse it with regular water, and you’re ready to cook. The fishy smell will be gone.

3. Looking for a supplier of frozen fish products in Vietnam?

Mekong Seafood Connection is proud to be a top supplier of high-quality seafood products in Vietnam. With over 15 years of experience in the export industry, Meksea has delivered Vietnamese seafood to more than 100 countries, including the US, China, and Japan…etc..

To learn more about our seafood products, please contact Mekong Seafood Connection today to receive special offers on pricing.

Website: Meksea Connection

Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director

Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469

Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com

Anna Nguyen  (Meksea Team)

If you found this topic interesting, please click the Like button below, so we may continue to expand this topic. Leave a comment with your thoughts for the author team to discuss