Instead of just rinsing fish with herbal water, you should soak it in this type of water to eliminate the fishy odor and make the flesh taste better.

Fish is a nutrient-rich food that is beneficial for health. However, its biggest drawback is the fishy smell. If fish is not properly prepared and cooked, this odor can ruin the flavor of the dish. To remove the fishy smell, you need to pay attention to the following points.

Preparing the Fish

To ensure your dish does not smell fishy, choose fresh fish. The fresher the fish, the less odor it has.

When preparing, remove the entrails, cut the fins, take out the gills, and scale the fish. In addition, you need to thoroughly clean out the black membrane inside the fish’s belly, as this is one of the main causes of the smell.

For snakehead fish, carp, and similar species, you can use a knife to make a small horizontal cut right under the gills and pull out the white tendon inside. Do this on both sides of the fish. This part is also responsible for a stronger odor.

For brackish-water or catfish-like species such as catfish, pangasius, or basa, the traditional method is to rub kitchen ash over the body of the fish to remove the slimy layer. Nowadays, since most families use gas or electric stoves and ash is not readily available, you can instead pour warm water over the fish and scrape off the slime with a knife.

Another option is to rub coarse salt evenly on the fish’s surface.

Ways to Remove the Fishy Smell

1. Using Tea Water
You can make tea from either fresh or dried tea leaves. Soak the fish in the tea water for about 7–10 minutes before removing it. This method helps neutralize the odor and makes the fish more fragrant when cooked.

For braised fish dishes, people often add fresh tea leaves directly to the pot. This not only enhances the aroma but also makes the flesh firmer and tastier.

2. Using Rice Water
Another effective method is washing the fish with rice-rinsing water. This was a common household trick in the past. After cleaning the gills, scales, and blood, rinse the fish once with clean water. Then wash it again with rice water (adding a little salt for extra effect). Finally, rinse under running water before cooking.

3. Using Diluted Salt Water
For sea fish such as pomfret, mackerel, or sardines, the strong smell often comes from the freezing and storage process. Amino acids in the fish can break down and create a pungent odor.

Make sure to remove all blood and the black membrane in the belly. Then soak the fish in diluted salt water for about 5 minutes. This will firm up the flesh and reduce the smell.

4. Using Lemon and Coarse Salt
Lemon and coarse salt are excellent for cleaning and deodorizing. Sprinkle salt all over the fish, both inside and out. Then rub half a lemon across the fish’s body to remove blood, slime, and odor. Rinse with clean water and drain before cooking.

5. Using Alcohol and Ginger
This is another popular method, also used for duck, goose, or chicken. Crush some ginger to release its fragrance and essential oils, then soak it in white wine or cooking wine. Rub this mixture evenly on the fish, both inside and out. Ginger and alcohol not only clean the slime but also eliminate the smell.

Finally, rinse the fish again with clean water before cooking.