Learn how to preserve fresh fish like the Japanese

The Japanese believe that food should be consumed at its freshest, especially raw foods such as meat or fish, because the freshness of the food is at its "ripest" at that time.

However, if preservation is required, refrigeration is the most commonly used method. Here are three basic steps for preserving fresh fish at home:

Step 1: Process the fish's internal organs, gills and scales

The fish’s internal organs are the most vulnerable part of the fish because bacteria start to attack and multiply from here. Therefore, we need to remove the internal organs first!

In addition, the gills and scales of the fish also need to be cleaned to remove the fishy smell. Because, in the gills of fish there are many blood vessels that cause the fishy smell.

Step 2: Soak in water

After cleaning and placing the fish on a plate, we use paper towels to absorb water around the surface of the fish. Blot until the fish is completely dry!

Step 3: Use plastic wrap and zip bag to wrap the fish

Use food film to cover tightly and place in a zip bag to prevent the fish surface from being exposed to the outside air, creating conditions for bacteria to grow. Then, put the fish in the freezer to preserve it, the fish will still retain its freshness and delicious taste after being refrigerated.

For each different type of fish, you also need to adjust accordingly. For example, with salmon, because the size of this fish is relatively large, to easily preserve it at home, you need to cut the fish into small pieces, you can sprinkle a little salt or use a little Japanese soy sauce, then use paper to dry the fish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and put it in a zip-lock bag. Frozen salmon can be used to cook many delicious dishes such as grilled, fried or sauced.

As for tuna, if you intend to make sashimi, the fish should be completely fresh to ensure the flavor and freshness of the fish because when refrigerated, the flavor of the tuna will only be half of the original. For grilled dishes or dishes that use heat, you can also use spices to marinate the fish before refrigerating.

Surely you are interested in how long fresh fish can be used after being refrigerated at home? Normally, properly refrigerated fish will be used for about 4 to 5 days from the date of storage. However, depending on the freshness of the fish and other factors (such as the temperature of the freezer is guaranteed if you open it too often...) will reduce the available time of refrigerated fish.

Use fresh fish or use refrigerated fish depending on the menu and dish you plan to make so adjust accordingly.

Thu Trang