Fishy odor in fish often presents a challenge for seafood lovers. The primary source of this odor is a chemical compound called trimethylamine (TMA). This article will discuss effective ways to eliminate the fishy smell when cooking fish so you can enjoy delicious seafood without the unpleasant aroma.
Trimethylamine (TMA): The Compound That Causes Fishy Smell in Fish
Trimethylamine (TMA) is an organic compound with the chemical formula N(CH₃)₃. This compound is a derivative of ammonia and has a distinctive fishy odor, especially at high concentrations. TMA is commonly found in fish and other seafood, as well as in some plants and microorganisms. TMA forms from the breakdown of the amino acid trimethyllysine (TML) by bacteria in the intestines of fish and other seafood. The longer the fish is dead, the more TMA is formed as bacteria continue to break down TML.
Ways to Remove Fishy Smell Before Cooking
1. Choose Fresh Fish
The fresher the fish, the less TMA has formed. Choose fish with clear eyes, pink gills, and firm flesh to ensure freshness.
2. Clean the Fish Properly
Remove scales, gills, and the insides of the fish properly. Rinse the fish thoroughly under running water and rub it with salt or lime to help remove slime and the fishy smell.
3. Soak the Fish
Soak the fish in a solution of white vinegar, lime juice, or milk for 15-30 minutes. The acid in these solutions helps neutralize TMA and reduce the fishy odor.
4. Use Spices
Use spices like shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and coriander to help absorb the fishy smell and add flavor to the fish.
Ways to Remove Fishy Smell While Cooking
1. Heat the Oil
Heat the cooking oil to a sufficiently high temperature before adding the fish. This helps the fish cook quickly and minimizes the fishy smell.
2. Use High Heat
Cook the fish over high heat initially to help lock in the flavor and texture of the fish.
3. Add Bay Leaves
Add bay leaves to the fish dish. Bay leaves have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help eliminate the fishy smell.
4. Cover the Pan
Cover the pan while cooking the fish to help contain the fishy odor.
Ways to Remove Fishy Smell After Cooking
1. Turn on the Fan
Turn on the kitchen fan to help expel the fishy smell from the room.
2. Store Fish in an Airtight Container
Store leftover fish in an airtight container to prevent the fishy smell from spreading throughout the refrigerator.
Additional Tips
- Use a different knife to cut the fish and other ingredients to avoid bacterial contamination.
- Wash your hands with soap and running water after cleaning the fish.
- Clean cooking utensils and the kitchen thoroughly after cooking fish.
By following the above tips, you can eliminate the fishy smell in fish and enjoy delicious, odor-free fish dishes.
Hassle-Free Tips!
However, you don’t need to go through all that effort if you consume tilapia fillets from Regal Springs Indonesia. Regal Springs Indonesia’s tilapia are raised in freshwater lakes rich in oxygen, using eco-friendly, low-phosphorus floating feed. The aquaculture method with floating net cages ensures our tilapia do not consume algae or mud that can taint the flavor, resulting in premium, white, layered, and delicious meat.
Enjoy healthy and odor-free seafood!
