Emilee Unterkoefler
Between the omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and numerous other health benefits that fish have to offer, we know it’s essential to eat it often. However, many of us steer clear due to the fishy taste.
If you’re hoping to get more seafood and fish into your diet, here are five ways to cook it and neutralize the flavor you aren’t so fond of.
Benefits of Eating Fish
The health benefits you profit with eating fish are far superior to what you get from any other source of protein. It’s filled with iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium potassium, calcium, or phosphorus. According to The American Heart Association, here are just a few benefits to eating fish:
- Excellent source of protein
- Long-chain omega-3’s EPA and DHA help reduce blood clots
- Reduces heart disease risk
- Supports healthy heart function
- Lowers high triglyceride levels
Wild-Caught Vs. Farm-Raised
Like all protein we eat, quality largely depends on what that fish or animal eats, which is linked to the environment in which they are raised. This is why we’ve seen popularity increases in grass-fed, cage-free, and free-range foods in recent years.
Wild-caught fish and seafood eat a natural diet that is lower in saturated fat, but in turn, it is pricey. For a more cost-friendly approach, try purchasing frozen and canned wild-caught fish.
Farm-raised fish and seafood tend to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, due to the fortified feed given to the fish. The cost is usually lower in comparison to wild-caught.
Try Eating Fish in One of These 5 Ways
Here are five ways to add more fish to your diet while also reaping from the benefits. You might even reach the American Heart Association’s recommendation of eating fish twice per week.
Add Plenty of Lemon
If you’ve ever noticed a plate of seafood at a restaurant, it likely had a lemon wedge added to accompany the dish. While you may think this vibrant slice of citrus fruit is supplied as a garnish, the purpose is more significant than a plating beautification.
Fish meat contains naturally occurring molecules called “amines,” which are produced when the fish muscles are cooked and begin to break down. When the amines are produced, a fine aroma (or odor) fills the air. If you can smell it, you can taste it.
That’s where lemon comes in. Adding freshly squeezed lemon juice on top of your fish helps take away the off-putting “fishy” smell and taste. Start your fish-consuming journey by cooking up a mild-tasting white fish. Some of these include Cod, halibut, or haddock. Here’s a great recipe to get you started.
Get the Recipe: Midwest Foodie
Fry It Up
Some people will only eat fish when it’s in fried form- and doused with vinegar and salt. Besides, how could something taste bad when breaded and deep-fried? While this is delicious, it is, of course, the least healthy of the pack.
Breading or coating your fish with batter, then frying it in oil helps to neutralize the fish flavor, which makes it a great way to start. The crunchy and crispy texture is also palate friendly and creates a surprisingly delicious meal for the fish haters of the world. Try this tasty fish and chips recipe!
Get the Recipe: Hunter Angler Gardener Cook
Make Patties and Cakes
We all love cake- sweet or salty, so why not mask the fishy flavors by combining ingredients to make up little savory cakes. We’re talking crab cakes, fish cakes, salmon patties, and the list goes on.
By mixing cooked chopped onion and garlic, with cooked fish, mashed potatoes, or breadcrumbs (as a binding agent)- you can create a yummy meal. Coat with breadcrumbs and fry it up in a pan, and you’ve got a crispy and delicious fish patty. Try it out yourself.
Get the Recipe: Natasha’s Kitchen
Put it in a Stew or Soup
Eating fish or seafood as part of a stew or soup is a great way to get yourself used to the fish taste. Slurping on a creamy fish chowder helps because while you may not love fish, the buttery flavor from the chowder provides so much character.
You can also enjoy the flair that an exotic stew, like Brazilian Fish Stew, has to offer. The coconut milk combined with cayenne, cumin, and paprika all help to mask a bit of the fishy taste. At the same time, you still get to profit from health benefits.
Get the Recipe: RecipeTinEats
Marinades Help
Marinating salmon or white fish is a fantastic way to add show-stopping flavors to a dish you wouldn’t usually enjoy. Fish is a more delicate form of protein, so don’t marinate it too long.
Something as simple as a teriyaki marinated salmon can steer you into a new direction. Here is a fantastic recipe that we’ve been using for years and years. It only has four ingredients but offers tremendous flavor. This one is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Cooking Classy
