How to Eliminate the Fishy Smell of Skipjack Tuna, Just 2 Kitchen Ingredients

Kapanlagi.com - Skipjack tuna, the star of the Indonesian ocean, is indeed known for its savory taste and wallet-friendly price. However, there is one challenge that its fans often face: the persistent fishy smell and the itchy sensation when consumed. Don't worry! We have a practical solution that you can do with just your bare hands. Let's check out the easy and effective tricks to process skipjack tuna to make it fresher, odor-free, and of course safe to enjoy!

1. Why Can Skipjack Tuna Be Fishy and Cause Itching?

The fishy smell that often bothers skipjack tuna is actually caused by the compound trimethylamine (TMA) that appears due to the decomposition process. Not only that, if the fish is not stored properly, the histamine levels in its flesh can increase, potentially triggering mild allergic reactions and an itchy sensation when consumed. Usually, the histamine content is higher in certain parts of the fish, especially if its freshness is questionable. Poor storage, such as inappropriate temperatures, can also worsen this unpleasant aroma. Therefore, it is very important to understand the proper storage and processing methods for fish to maintain its taste and quality.

2. Simple Ways to Eliminate Fishy Smell and Itchiness in Skipjack Tuna

Want to get rid of the fishy smell from the fish you are cooking? Try this simple trick: remove the fish's tail! The tail of the fish actually holds a lot of blood and leftover waste that can intensify the unpleasant aroma. The method is easy, just use your bare hands! Hold the bottom part of the fish, then twist the tail until the bones inside feel broken. After that, pull the tail firmly until the muscles detach. With this step, your fish is ready to be served without the disturbing fishy smell!

3. Why Removing the Tail Can Reduce Fishy Smell?

The bothersome fishy smell actually originates from the tail, where blood and decaying organic compounds are concentrated. This biological process makes the tail more susceptible to unpleasant aromas, especially due to trimethylamine (TMA) that produces a pungent odor. By removing the tail, you not only reduce the sharp fishy aroma but also avoid the risk of allergic reactions due to the high histamine content within it.

4. Histamine in Skipjack Tuna and How to Avoid It

Histamine, a compound that appears when fish starts to spoil, can be a problem for some people with disruptive allergic reactions. Usually, the parts of the fish that are rich in histamine are those that are not fresh and are covered in blood. To avoid itching caused by histamine, it is important to store fish at an ideal temperature and not for too long. Not only that, using natural ingredients like saltwater and lime juice can also be an effective solution to reduce histamine levels in fish.

5. Other Techniques for Preparing Skipjack Tuna to Avoid Fishy Odor

Soak the fish in a mixture of saltwater and lime juice for 20 minutes, and watch the magic of eliminating the bothersome fishy smell! After that, rinse the fish until clean. Not only that, add spices like ginger and turmeric to enhance the flavor while also getting rid of unpleasant aromas. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the gills and the inside of the fish, as this step also plays an important role in presenting the desired freshness. Happy trying!

6. Common Mistakes When Processing Skipjack Tuna

One of the common mistakes that often occurs in the kitchen is cooking fish immediately after purchasing it without cleaning it first. This action can lead to a strong fishy smell and less pleasant taste. Additionally, improper storage can worsen the fish's aroma. Therefore, it is important to master the technique of cleaning and cutting fish properly to create delicious and appetizing dishes.

(kpl/khs)