Easy Tips to Eliminate Fishy Odor from Catfish, Just Use Two Kitchen Ingredients

Kapanlagi.com - Catfish has become the star in various delicious dishes such as pepes, soup, and sour and spicy dishes. With its soft texture and natural savory flavor, this fish has managed to win the hearts of many and is always present on the dining table.

However, behind its deliciousness, catfish also poses unique challenges for some people when being processed. The fishy aroma and muddy smell that often cling can disrupt the taste of the dish, especially for those who do not yet know the effective tricks to eliminate them.

1. Causes of Fishy Smell and Mud Aroma in Catfish

2. Simple Tools and Ingredients Needed

Catfish that we often encounter in muddy freshwater areas indeed has a fishy aroma that is its hallmark. Culinary experts explain that this smell is difficult to eliminate, especially if the fish is processed directly without adequate cleaning.

This fishy aroma not only disrupts cooking but can also ruin the dish's flavor. For those sensitive to smells, taking the right cleaning steps is key to serving delicious and appetizing catfish.

3. Wash Thoroughly and Squeeze Lime Juice

Based on an interesting video by Chef Gungun Handayana on Instagram, as summarized on Friday (1/11/2024), just prepare lime and salt that are easily found in your kitchen.

The combination of these two ingredients has proven effective in eliminating unpleasant odors, so the catfish is ready to be processed without losing its original flavor.

4. Rinse and Rub Salt on the Fish

The first step in preparing delicious catfish is to wash it thoroughly, then evenly squeeze lime juice over the entire surface of the fish. This process is not just a ritual, but the key to eliminating the fishy smell that often disrupts the taste of the meat. "Lime is very effective in neutralizing the fishy aroma in fish meat," Gungun stated in his video.

After that, let the fish soak in the freshness of lime for 15 minutes, allowing all the juice to fully absorb and prepare the fish for the next more appetizing stage.

5. Soak in Warm Water, Rinse, and Drain

After the catfish has been soaked with lime, the next step is to rinse it under fresh running water. Now, it's time to rub salt all over the surface of the fish, making sure to cover it evenly, including the crevices. Let it sit for about 10 minutes; the salt not only serves to clean but is also effective in eliminating stubborn mud odors.

This rubbing process must be done carefully to ensure every part of the fish meat is free from fishy smells and dirt. After that, rinse the fish again under running water.

6. Questions and Answers About Processing Catfish

The final step is to soak the catfish in warm water for two minutes until the entire fish is fully submerged. This process effectively removes any lingering fishy smell and mud that may still be present. After soaking, rinse the fish with clean water and drain it well.

Now, the catfish is ready to be processed into a variety of delicious dishes, without the worry of any unpleasant fishy odor.

7. Why does catfish often have a fishy and muddy smell?

8. What natural ingredients are effective in eliminating the fishy smell from catfish?

Catfish, known for its unique flavor, has a fishy aroma that cannot be ignored. This occurs because this fish inhabits freshwater areas rich in mud, causing its flesh to absorb a distinctive smell that gives it a unique character.

9. How long should catfish be soaked in lime water?

The fresh combination of lime juice and the warmth of salt not only revitalizes the catfish but also enhances the flavor of your dish.

10. Does warm water play a role in the process of removing fishy odors?

To make your catfish even more delicious, try soaking it in lime water for about 15 minutes.

(kpl/mhs)