foto: Freepik/jcomp
Chicken is one of the affordable and easy-to-process sources of protein, making it the main choice for many people in Indonesia. However, the fishy smell that sticks to it is often a problem when processing it. This smell is usually caused by the remaining blood that has not been completely cleaned, even though the chicken has been cooked well.
Usually, lime or lemon is used to remove the fishy smell from chicken. But what if you don't have either? Don't worry, there are some effective ways you can try to clean chicken without lime and lemon.
Why Does Chicken Smell Fishy? The fishy smell in chickens is caused by several factors, including:
- Remaining blood that does not completely come out during cutting.
- Protein and fat content that reacts with air.
- Natural bacteria that grow on the surface of chicken meat.
With the right method, you can remove this odor without the need for lime or lemon.
How to Clean Chicken Without Lime and Lemon1. Freeze the Chicken First
Freezing the chicken before washing it can help to settle the blood and remove it naturally.
- Store the chicken in the freezer for a few hours until completely frozen.
- Once frozen, take it out and let it sit for a while to make it easier to cut and clean.
2. Use Salt to Remove Fishy Smell
Salt is an effective natural ingredient for cleaning chicken and killing bacteria.
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of salt on the chicken pieces.
- Massage the chicken with salt for a few minutes to remove dirt and mucus.
3. Soak the Chicken in Cold Water
Cold water can help remove any remaining blood in the chicken meat.
- Put the chicken in a large bowl filled with water.
- Leave it for a while until the blood and mucus come to the surface.
- Change the water several times until it is completely clean.
4. Use Vinegar or Tamarind Water
photo: Freepik/atlascompany
If you don't have lime or lemon, vinegar and tamarind water can be an alternative.
- Vinegar: Add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to the soaking water, let stand for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Tamarind Water: Mix tamarind with warm water, knead the chicken in this solution, then rinse.
5. Use Wheat Flour or Rice Flour
Flour can absorb mucus and dirt that sticks to the chicken.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of flour or rice flour onto the chicken pieces.
- Squeeze the chicken until the surface is clean, then rinse with running water.
1. Store in a closed container so that it is not exposed to air for too long.
2. Use vacuum plastic to reduce oxidation which can cause unpleasant odors.
3. Avoid washing chicken before storing it because it can accelerate bacterial growth.
4. Use the right temperature (below -18C for the freezer) to maintain good chicken quality.
1. Is it safe to clean chicken with hot water?
It is not recommended because it can make the chicken texture hard and remove its natural moisture.
2. Can baking soda be used to clean chicken?
Yes, baking soda can help remove the fishy smell. Mix it with water and soak the chicken for a few minutes before rinsing.
3. How long should chicken be soaked in salt solution?
Just 5-10 minutes so that the salt does not soak into the meat too much and change its texture.
4. Is it necessary to wash chicken before cooking?
Yes, but make sure you wash them properly so as not to spread bacteria to the kitchen area.
5. Why does cooked chicken still smell fishy?
There may still be blood remaining or there may be a lack of use of deodorizing agents such as salt or vinegar.
6. Can starch also be used to clean chicken?
Yes, starch has the ability to absorb mucus and dirt on chickens.
7. Are there any side effects if you clean chicken with vinegar for too long?
Yes, vinegar used for too long can make the chicken more sour and damage its texture.
(brl/red)
