Learning how to clean fish is not an easy task, is it? For those who live alone, this is usually one of the biggest difficulties when cooking protein. Fortunately, the fish-free days are over! We have prepared for you step by step how to clean fish in a simple way. Follow the tips below to simplify the cleaning process and learn how to season fish to make a delicious recipe!
Pay attention to the type of fish chosen
Each type of fish has specifics when cleaning and preparing. This is because some species can be poisonous, which poses health risks to those who consume them. For example, puffer fish is a highly commercialized fish, but it needs to be cleaned very carefully to not break the gall. Otherwise, fish should not be eaten because of the poison in the meat. So, if you are going to clean fish at home, see which species it belongs to avoid problem
Remove the scales from the skin with the aid of a smooth knife
To clean the fish, you need to completely remove the animal’s scales, especially if you intend to prepare it with the skin. With the aid of a flat knife (you can also use a spoon or the blunt side of a saw knife), scrape all the fish toward the animal’s head to clean it. Repeat the process on both sides. Then wash the fish thoroughly to remove any remaining scales that may have been on the fish skin
Remove all skin and wash the inside of the fish
Still with the help of a very sharp knife, remove the fish skin. To make the process easier, you can cut off the animal’s head and tail. So, start pulling the skin at the ends until it is completely removed. The salmon, for example, is much appreciated skinned! Then wash the fish again to purify the meat of any residue.Note: skinning the fish is an optional step. The same goes for the animal’s head and tail! Some species have greater rigidity and adherence to the meat, which makes tissue removal difficult, as is the case of croaker. Despite this, the flavor remains. So, it’s up to you!
Cut the meat into slices or in the shape you prefer
The time has come to cut the fish! With or without skin, there are different ways to break down protein for a recipe. You can slice it into several large pieces or even smaller strips. Another option is to split the fish in two, splitting the protein right in half. The format depends on the dish that will be prepared!
Season the fish with salt, lemon and other spices
Last but not least: it’s seasoning time! There’s nothing better than eating a very tasty fish that you can smell from a distance, right? To season the food well, use salt and squeezed lemon juice. Both already give a spectacular taste to the meal! You can also use basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage to finish the preparation.
In a large container, place the cut fish and add the seasonings to taste. Mix well until the spices are completely spread. If you choose to leave the fish whole, apply it directly to the skin and spread it well. Finally, just take the food to cook the way you prefer, be it fried, roasted, or grilled!