Snakehead fish is a traditional food closely associated with the daily life of people in the Southwest region of our country. This fish contains many beneficial nutrients such as vitamin D, A, and protein. PasGo Blog will guide you on how to eliminate the fishy odor of this type of fish along with cooking delicious caramelized snakehead fish.

1. Nutritional Components in Snakehead Fish
In general, all types of fish, especially snakehead fish, contain a lot of protein, minerals, and essential amino acids. Among them, fish fat contains a lot of vitamin A and D which are good for skin elasticity, thus bringing the youthful appearance that women desire.
Rich in protein and vitamin B, the linh fish ensures the supply of essential nutrients for child development. Its diverse range of microelements like Coban, Copper, Zinc, Iodine... enhances intelligence and memory retention.

Moreover, the linh fish is low in fat, capable of reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. It also boosts human immunity, making it suitable for regular consumption in every household meal.
There are various ways to prepare linh fish such as the exquisite linh fish hotpot with blooming flowers, commonly known as linh fish braised with chili or linh fish braised with sugarcane, a specialty of the Mekong Delta.
2. Techniques to eliminate the fishy odor of linh fish
The first step to removing the fishy odor from carp is to completely remove all the mud and dirt clinging to the outside, then thoroughly clean the fish scales. When starting to gut the fish, carefully remove all the internal organs, being mindful to extract the bile to prevent bitterness in the fish meat.
Additionally, scraping off the layer of black membrane inside the fish gut is essential. This very membrane is what causes carp to taste fishy when cooked. After prepping the fish externally, you can employ the following methods to eliminate the fishy odor.

Removing the fishy odor from carp using rice water or salt solution.
Once the fish is thoroughly cleaned, soak it in a diluted saltwater solution or rice water for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, simply lift the fish out onto a drying rack, rinse it again with clean water, and let it drain.
If after soaking, the fish still retains a strong fishy smell, it's recommended to rub it thoroughly both on the outside and inside with salt to completely eliminate the odor. According to local wisdom, soaking the fish in salt and rice water helps the meat become white and odor-free quickly.

Eliminating the fishy odor of carp with fresh lime or vinegar
Lime has a very high acid content compared to other fruits, making it a common ingredient used to effectively eliminate the fishy odor of carp. This can also help the fish meat become clean, white, and more flavorful. Additionally, you can use edible vinegar to remove the characteristic odor of the fish.
Getting rid of the fishy odor of carp with white wine brings a pleasant aroma to the carp
A common method used by housewives to eliminate fishy odors is diluting white wine. The alcohol content in the wine will overpower all the fishy smells. You can rest assured that when cooking braised carp with sugarcane, there will be no scent of alcohol, but the fish meat will be extremely flavorful.
3. Cooking braised carp with sugarcane
Ingredients for cooking braised carp with sugarcane.
- Carp: 400 gr
- Sugarcane: 1-2 pieces
- Coconut: 1 fruit
- Chili, spices…

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- Peel off the outer layer of the sugarcane, cut it into small bite-sized pieces, set aside in a basket.

- Next, spread a layer of peeled sugarcane pieces at the bottom of the pot, season with all the necessary spices to ensure the dish has the fullest flavor. This helps prevent the braised fish from burning while still absorbing the sweet flavor of the sugarcane evenly.

Step 2: Braise the fish
- Bring the braised fish pot to a boil for about 15 minutes, then pour coconut water into the pot until the fish is submerged, then simmer over low heat. At this point, just simmer for an additional 5 minutes to add a creamy texture and the natural fragrance of coconut water to the dish.
- Finally, transfer the fish onto a decorated plate for a visually appealing presentation. With just a few simple steps, you've created a delicious and well-rounded dish. If you're short on time, you can always buy canned braised carp with sugarcane to enjoy this enticing flavor.
Through this article, PasGo has provided you with the most essential information to create the perfect braised carp with sugarcane dish. We hope you'll indulge in cooking regularly to bring warmth to your family's weekend meals. If you're interested in exploring more exotic dishes or cooking tips, visit PasGo's Food & Recipes section.
Minh Phương
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