How to Clean Fish Well Before Cooking It

When using fish in your menu it is essential that the fish is cleaned well so that your dish tastes great. It is rather disgusting to get scales and other rubbish in your food while you eat. Here's how to clean fish properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get rid of the scales: using the blunt side of the knife, hold the fish by its head and run the knife in short strokes against the direction of the scales. Repeat this step over the entire body of the fish till all the scales are gone. Wash the fish in cold water so that all the scales sticking to sides get washed away.

2. Get rid of the fins and tail: Again with a sharp knife make sure to chop off the fins and the end of the tail. A lot of people who like to cook the fish whole don't cut of the tail or the fins. It really depends on what you prefer.

3. Remove the insides: Take a sharp knife and make a cut from the gills to the stomach of the fish. You will find the maximum dirt here. Hold that part open and keep it under running water making sure to scrape out all the sticky gooey stuff that is sticking to the walls inside. If this part is left inside and cooked there will be a horrible bitter taste.

4. The best way to clean your fish and get rid of the smell is to use a small fistful of salt. Take some cooking salt and rub all over the fish. Leave it like that for a few minutes and then wash it off. You will notice that this brings out the flavor of the fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Fish can be irresistible when cooked right. Most people are weary of fish because it generally has an unpleasant odor. But fish lovers simply swear by it because not only can fish be tasty, it is also the healthiest of meats you can use in your cooking. There are several different types of fish available in the market to choose from. Fish can be fried, curried, roasted and even grilled. The variety of fish and the styles one can cook it in is just unlimited. However, to make the most out of your fish, it must be handled properly and cleaned well.