How to cook fish without stinking up the house
May 5, 2015, 9:43 am
#1
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How to cook fish without stinking up the house
I made fish for the first time a couple weeks ago. I'd found an article in the NY Times saying that if you cook the fish at high temp quickly, it won't stink up the house for days.
It still stank up the house for days.
Is there a better way to cook fish that doesn't result in a long term stank?
It still stank up the house for days.
Is there a better way to cook fish that doesn't result in a long term stank?
May 5, 2015, 9:51 am
#2
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Try wrapping the fish in parchment paper and then cooking. I have done this with baking in the oven and then pan searing.
To rid the area of course open windows and clean using a vinegar solution. By next morning it should be good.
Addition: What kind of fish?
To rid the area of course open windows and clean using a vinegar solution. By next morning it should be good.
Addition: What kind of fish?
Last edited by Yoshi212; May 5, 2015 at 9:58 am
May 5, 2015, 9:58 am
#3
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Not many fish I cook smell although I do try and avoid frying them which seems to be the smelliest way. For instance fried kippers are well known for filling the house with a lingering aroma....it used to upset the wife when I made them in the UK. I did read cooking them by sinking them in boiling water for a few minutes prevented them smelling but never tried it.
I now mainly poach fish or make fish pie and haven't heard her complaining.
I now mainly poach fish or make fish pie and haven't heard her complaining.
May 5, 2015, 10:07 am
#4
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What kind of fish? How did you prepare it?
I've never noticed a smell after cooking fish, but certainly have, say, after preparing something with a lot of garlic, or meat that emits a lot of grease/smoke (like roasting a chicken).
I've never noticed a smell after cooking fish, but certainly have, say, after preparing something with a lot of garlic, or meat that emits a lot of grease/smoke (like roasting a chicken).
May 5, 2015, 10:08 am
#5
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Go to a Korean supermarket and get some giant charcoal blocks. Korean uses them to absorb the smell from making kimchi. It takes out all the bad odor from the kitchen after cooking fish, crab cakes, etc....
Or you could grill the fish outside at the BBQ! I use a Sizzle-Q griddle.
Or you could grill the fish outside at the BBQ! I use a Sizzle-Q griddle.
May 5, 2015, 10:29 am
#6
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I'm not allowed to cook fish in the house. The gas grill is right outside the back door on the deck. I like that I could do it inside without stinking up the place but I'd be afraid to try and fail. Then I would have to sleep next to the grill for a week.
May 5, 2015, 10:55 am
#7
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Its the fish oils (or really, oils of anything that might smell). Other than having an effective extractor fan... (lots on the market are either ineffective, improperly installed or don't vent outside).
If sauteing fish, try the old trick of cooking with vermouth.
If sauteing fish, try the old trick of cooking with vermouth.
May 5, 2015, 11:02 am
#8
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It's been a dozen years and at least 3 houses since I had an exhaust fan that vented to the outside. I tried the charcoal inserts and they helped some but not enough to eliminate the stink.
May 5, 2015, 11:08 am
#9
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If you do a smoke test, I think you'll find that most extractor fans aren't very effective to begin with (microwave-fan combos particularly), and I bet the charcoal inserts make them even more ineffective.
May 5, 2015, 11:32 am
#10
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I can't say these are tricks, per se, but...
Take the trash (including skin and bones) out of the house after cooking.
Wash the dishes or run the dishwasher immediately.
Have a candle burning in the kitchen while cooking.
Choose non-oily varieties of fish.
Set out a bowl of white vinegar while cooking and overnight.
Take the trash (including skin and bones) out of the house after cooking.
Wash the dishes or run the dishwasher immediately.
Have a candle burning in the kitchen while cooking.
Choose non-oily varieties of fish.
Set out a bowl of white vinegar while cooking and overnight.
May 5, 2015, 11:56 am
#11
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The smell lingers inside. If you have to, I'd bake it.
May 5, 2015, 4:11 pm
#13
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May 6, 2015, 3:28 am
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