How To Make Salmon Taste Less Fishy: Full Guide

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

The strong taste of salmon may turn off some people from eating this type of seafood. Nevertheless, there are simple ways to reduce the intensity of the flavor and make salmon more enjoyable.

If you’re looking to enjoy the health benefits of salmon without the strong fishy flavor, read on to learn how to make the salmon taste less fishy. 

I found a few simple changes to make salmon taste delicious so you can enjoy it with your favorite side dishes.

Steps On How To Make Salmon Taste Less Fishy

1. Use fresh salmon: Fresh salmon is less likely to have a strong fishy smell or taste. Buy fresh salmon from a trusted fishmonger rather than buy frozen. 
2. Rinse the salmon: Rinsing the salmon in cold water can help remove some fishy smells and tastes. 
3. Marinate the salmon: Marinating the salmon in a mixture of acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, or wine can help to reduce the fishy taste. 
4. Add aromatic herbs and spices: Adding herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, oregano, or rosemary can help to cover up or mask the strong fishy taste. 
5. Cook the salmon with other ingredients: Cooking the salmon with other ingredients, such as vegetables or a sauce, can help to mask the fishy taste. 
6. Use sauces: Adding a sauce such as a creamy sauce, pesto, or salsa can help to reduce the fishy taste. 
7. Try different cooking methods: Different cooking methods such as baking, steaming, or poaching can help to reduce the fishy taste. 
8. Add dairy to the recipe: Adding dairies such as cream, butter, or cheese to a dish can help to reduce the fishy taste. 
9. Use a stronger flavored fish: If you don’t want to mask the fishy taste, try using a stronger flavored fish such as mackerel or anchovies.

Read: How To Get Rid Of Fishy Taste In Shrimp?

How To Make Salmon Taste Like Chicken

To make salmon taste like chicken, start by lightly coating the salmon with a mixture of garlic powder, paprika [1], and black pepper. Then, pan-fry or bake the salmon in the oven until it is cooked. 

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Finally, brush the cooked salmon with melted butter and serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a delicious meal that tastes just like chicken.

Read: How To Get Fish Smell Out Of Cast Iron?

How Do You Counteract Fishy Taste?

One of the best ways to counteract a fishy taste in your dish is to balance it with some sweetness. Adding a bit of honey or a squeeze of lemon juice [2] can take a long way in removing the unpleasant taste of fish. 

Additionally, incorporating herbs and spices, like dill, parsley, and garlic, can help mask any hint of a fishy taste in your dish. 

Finally, ensure to cook your fish properly; undercooking can result in a strong fishy flavor that can be difficult to mask.

Read: What Type Of Salmon Is Used For Sushi?

What Does Soaking Salmon In Milk Do?

Soaking salmon in milk is a popular method to help reduce the strong fishy flavor of the fish. This process helps to draw out any impurities and break down the proteins in the fish, resulting in a more mellow flavor. 

The milk also helps keep the fish moist and tender when cooked, especially when using a dry method like grilling or baking. 

Additionally, soaking the fish in milk before cooking helps to absorb any excess moisture, which can help prevent the fish from sticking to the cooking surface.

How To Remove Fishy Taste From Fish

Removing the fishy taste from fish can be done in a few simple steps. First, soaking the fish in a mixture of water and lemon juice for 30 minutes can help remove the smell. 

Second, rinsing the fish with cold water for a few minutes will help get rid of any remaining odors. 

Finally, cooking the fish in a flavorful marinade or sauce can also help reduce the fishy taste. 

Additionally, adding fresh herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, and paprika can help add a more pleasant flavor.

How To Reduce Fishy Taste In Soup

One way to reduce the fishy taste in soup is to season it with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, or even a little white wine. Adding a bit of acidity to the soup will help balance the flavor and reduce the fishy taste. 

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Additionally, adding herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, and bay leaves will help mask the fishy flavor. 

Lastly, ensure not to overcook the fish when making the soup, as this will only intensify the fishy taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making salmon taste less fishy is a simple process that involves marinating the fish in acidic ingredients like lemon juice or white vinegar, rinsing off the marinade, and cooking the salmon in a way that brings out its natural flavor. 

You can create delicious, non-fishy salmon dishes that will please even the pickiest of eaters with a few simple steps.

References:

1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/all-about-paprika-4036017
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-water