The smell of mud in freshwater fish often disturbs our appetite. This odor is caused by geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) compounds produced by microorganisms in fish habitats. Although this compound is not harmful to health, even in low concentrations, its strong aroma and taste can be detected by our sense of smell and taste. The following are four effective ways to get rid of the mud smell of freshwater fish so you can enjoy delicious fish dishes.
Clean Fish Properly
A very important first step is to clean the fish properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove Scales, Gills and Internal Parts of the Fish: Make sure you clean all these parts thoroughly.
- Wash under running water: After cleaning the inside, wash the fish under running water. Rub with salt or lime to help remove mucus and muddy smell.
- Soak in Acid Solution: Soak the fish in a solution of white vinegar, lime juice, or milk for 15-30 minutes. The acid in this solution will help neutralize the geosmin and MIB compounds that cause the mud smell.
2.Use Herbs and Spices
Using herbs and spices not only adds flavor, but also helps eliminate the smell of mud. Some spices that can be used are:
- Shallots, Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, and Coriander: Marinate the fish with these spices and let sit for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Bay Leaves: Bay leaves have antibacterial properties that help eliminate odors.
- Strong Spices: Spices such as chilies, shallots, and garlic that have a strong aroma can help mask the smell of mud.
3.Choose the Right Cooking Method
The right cooking method also plays an important role in eliminating the mud smell in fish. Here are some methods you can try:
- Frying: Frying fish over high heat helps lock in the taste and texture of the fish and removes the geosmin and MIB compounds.
- Grilling: Grilling fish over high heat is also effective in removing the mud smell.
- Stir-Frying: Stir-frying fish with strong spices can help mask the muddy smell.
- Making Soup: Cooking fish in soup with rich spices can remove the muddy smell and produce a delicious and warming dish.
4.Avoid washing fish with hot water
Washing fish with hot water can make the geosmin and MIB compounds more easily dissolved and absorbed into the fish flesh. It is best to wash the fish with cold running water or room temperature to avoid this.
Additional Tips
- Serve with Sambal or Hot and Sour Sauce: The combination of spicy and sour flavors helps balance the taste and eliminate the muddy smell.
- Cook Fish until Perfectly Cooked: Make sure the fish is cooked thoroughly to avoid bacteria and ensure optimal taste.
- Store Leftover Fish in an Airtight Container: This will prevent the fishy smell from spreading throughout the refrigerator.
By following these simple tips, you can get rid of the mud smell of freshwater fish and enjoy delicious fish dishes that are free from the smell of dirt or mud.
Most Practical Tips!
However, you don’t need to bother doing all that if you eat tilapia fillets from Regal Springs Indonesia. Our Tilapia are raised in oxygen-rich freshwater lakes, using environmentally friendly low-phosphorus floating feed. The cultivation method using floating net cages ensures that our Tilapia fish do not eat algae or mud that can contaminate the taste, resulting in premium, white, layered and delicious meat.
Enjoy fish dishes that are healthy and free from the smell of mud!
