How can I take the "fishy" taste out of seafood?

Question

I heard soaking it in Vermouth works, anyone heard of that? I want it out not just to cover it up.

The reason im asking is because I just moved to Germany and cant find any on the economy so im stuck buying it from the commissary where none of it is fresh, its all frozen or thawed. Ive tried different fish and shrimp and they are all so fishy tasting its discusting and I LOVE seafood.

Answer 1

I'm amazed at the number of folks who didn't seem to read your question.

You like seafood and you can only get frozen, not fresh. So all the answers that say "don't eat it" or "buy fresh" are just wasting their time, your time, and ours. Also, the ones who say "it's supposed to taste fishy!" obviously aren't seafood fans and don't know seafood beyond a MacDonald's fish sandwich! If they had fresh seafood, they'd probably think something was wrong with it because it didn't taste "fishy" and want their money back!

Alcohols, vinegars, and citric juices all operate the same way. They're chemicals that react with the "bacteria" that are causing the smell/taste. Put simply, they kill it. So all the answers with these included are probably quite good advice.

Besides, the tart taste these add is a nice, and often used, flavoring for seafood.

Bottom line, tho', is that you'll never totally get rid of the "fishiness" in frozen or non-fresh seafood nor will you completely mask it. That's why fresh seafood is so highly prized (as you well know!;)

Answer 2

Fishy Tasting Fish

Answer 3

The correct answer is "Do Not Eat It!" When seafood is Fresh it does not smell or taste "Fishy" As it ages, it begins to smell and taste "Fishy". Soaking it in a Baking soda & water solution can remove the smell, then rinse in clean water several minutes (leaving it kinda tasteless), then soak or rub it with lemon juice and seasonings to your taste and liking. But remember that the smell is caused by decomposing flesh "juices". You can remove or neutralize them to some degree, but the damage is done..permenently. Eat vegetarian...its healthier :)

Answer 4

Tilapia has more of a fishy/muddy smell/taste than others (similar to catfish, another bottom feeder). I often add dry mustard to the fish to counter this, whether frying it in butter, baking, etc. You can try prepared mustard too, but remember it is much stronger tasting than dry mustard, so I would use sparingly unless you want that taste. You can additionally season as you wish (or batter if your choice) but this defrays from that fishy and muddy taste. I often make it up when still frozen when sprinkling dry mustard on it. Fish that is made the day before with herbs (such as summer savory, marjoram, etc.) tend to not have that fishy taste when lightly reheated the next day (such as microwave or lower heat with butter in the frying pan).

Answer 5

First soak it in salt water for at least an hour. If possible overnight in the refridgerator. (Salt will also draw out or eliminate bacteria.) Depending on how you intend to cook it you would either want to rub a few drops of lemon juice or oil onto the surface or squeeze the juice onto it before wrapping it to cook it.
The salt water trick will also work on beef, pork and will take the gamey taste out of wild meats.
Be careful about that not so fresh seafood.

Answer 6

Atlantic seafood tastes different to Pacific seafood. Try poaching in milk to completely remove the fishy taste.

Answer 7

If it is a really oily fishy fish, comparable to blue fish or mackerel, there is a great way to do it. Filets are best, because they are thin.
Defrost and wash your fish.
Take your baking dish and spray or very lightly coat it with olive oil.
Put the fish on it. Douse it in lemon juice. Carefully pour milk around the pieces of fish, not directly on them. Your milk is going tpo blot up all that horrible fishy taste. Sprinkle slat and pepper on the top. Then crumble some bread crumbs (preferably herbal ones) with butter and sprinkle on top.
Cover, and cook at 400 for 25-30 minutes.
You can add onions, tomatoes, garlic or any topping after your fish is cooked.

Answer 8

Soak it in milk before cooking. This is a common preparation method for many kinds of fish including strong-tasting fish. If you buy frozen fish, thaw it out in milk.

However, if your fish isn't fresh and smells "fishy" because it's old, that may be a different matter.

Here are more fish-preparation tips:
http://www.recipegoldmine.com/kitchenhint/khfishsea.html

Answer 9

First off, if it smells like seafood--get rid of it. It's bad. Second, you've just moved, so you're not used to the surroundings. Eat at a restaurant close by, and don't order seafood. You're in another country, eat what is the most popular. I love German food, ask for Sauerbraeten, yummyyyy!

Answer 10

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How can I take the "fishy" taste out of seafood?