5 Ways to reduce the salty taste of salted fish, simple but effective steps in 20 minutes

foto: Pixabay/Benny Cai

Although delicious, the high salt content in salted fish can be a health problem, especially for people with hypertension.

Brilio.net - Salted fish has been part of traditional Indonesian cuisine for centuries. The process of salting fish is a preservation method that allows fish to last longer without the need for refrigeration. In addition to being durable, salted fish also has a distinctive taste that many people like.

Although delicious, the high salt content in salted fish can be a health problem, especially for people with hypertension or those who need to limit their sodium intake. Excessive salt consumption can increase the risk of various health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disorders.

Luckily, there are some simple and proven effective methods to reduce the salt content of salted fish without losing its flavor. Here are some methods that can be applied using ingredients that are easily found in the kitchen. On average, the methods below are effective within 20 minutes, some even less than that.

Warm water is the most effective method for reducing salt levels because salt is easily soluble in high temperature water.

Materials needed:
- Sufficient warm water
- Container for soaking

Steps:
1. Heat the water until warm (no need to boil)
2. Pour warm water into a container
3. Soak the salted fish for 15-20 minutes.
4. Change the water if it still tastes too salty.
5. Drain before processing

photo: Pixabay/congerdesign

The combination of water and lime is effective because the citric acid in lime helps neutralize the salty taste while reducing the fishy aroma.

Materials needed:
- Sufficient clean water
- 2-3 limes
- Container for soaking

Steps:
1. Fill the container with clean water
2. Squeeze the lime into the water
3. Soak the salted fish for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with clean water
5. Drain until dry

This method is simple but effective to remove the salt layer on the surface of salted fish.

Materials needed:
- Water flow
- Perforated container/strainer

Steps:
1. Place the salted fish in a container with holes
2. Wash under running water while rubbing gently
3. Do 3-4 repetitions
4. Make sure all parts are washed evenly
5. Drain before processing

photo: Pixabay/ally j

Rice water contains starch which can help absorb excess salt in salted fish.

Materials needed:
- 1 cup of rice
- Water for washing rice
- Soaking container

Steps:
1. Wash the rice until the water is slightly clear.
2. Use the last rice washing water
3. Soak the salted fish for 20-30 minutes.
4. Rinse with clean water
5. Drain until dry

This method combines two techniques for more optimal results.

Materials needed:
- Warm water
- Water flow
- Container for soaking

Steps:
1. Soak the salted fish in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Wash under running water
3. Soak again in new warm water for 10 minutes.
4. Rinse again with running water
5. Drain until dry

Additional Tips:
- Pay attention to the soaking time so that the fish texture is not too soft.
- Adjust the method according to the thickness and type of salted fish.
- Do a taste test after the salt reduction process.
- Store the soaked salted fish in the refrigerator if you are not going to process it yet.

By applying these methods, salted fish can be enjoyed with a more balanced salt content without losing its distinctive flavor. It is important to remember that each type of salted fish may require a different soaking time depending on its saltiness.

After reducing the salt content, salted fish can be processed into various delicious dishes such as stir-fried salted fish, salted fish fried rice, or salted fish chili sauce. This reduction in salt content allows more people to enjoy the deliciousness of salted fish more healthily.

(brl/tin)