Hacks for fishy shrimp smell removal using salt, acidic marinades, or baking soda. Enjoy fresh, delicious shrimp every time!
Tired of that fishy smell ruining your perfectly good shrimp dish? It’s a common problem, but don’t worry! I make shrimp dishes weekly so I’ve got a few tricks that I use that help get rid of that fishy smell.
With a few simple hacks, you can easily eliminate that unpleasant odor and enjoy fresh, delicious shrimp every time.
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Why Does Shrimp Smell Fishy?
Fresh shrimp should have a mild, slightly salty aroma of the sea. The overpowering “fishy” smell develops when enzymes and bacteria break down the proteins in the shrimp, producing trimethylamine (TMA), the compound responsible for the pungent odor.
It’s important to distinguish between fresh shrimp and spoiled shrimp – if the smell is ammonia-like, throw it out! If you question it all, it’s not worth including it in your dish.
The following hacks work best on fresh shrimp to neutralize any early odor development. And I’ll tell you the shrimp smell removal hack that I use all the time and why.
Hack #1: The Salt Rinse
Salt acts like a sponge, drawing out impurities and odors from the shrimp. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your shrimp in a bowl (shell-on or shell-off)
- Sprinkle liberally with salt (about 1 tbsp per pound of shrimp)
- Gently massage the salt into the shrimp for a minute
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water
- Repeat 2-3 times for maximum odor removal
While the salt rinse is effective for shrimp smell removal, I am a fan of doing less work. Repeating the process 2-3 times to get rid of that fishy odor while I’m trying to get a meal on the table for my family is not my jam.
Hack #2: Acidic Marinades
Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or buttermilk can neutralize fishy odors and help with shrimp smell removal. A simple marinade with one of these ingredients and your favorite herbs and spices will do the trick. Marinate for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
This is my preferred method. Here’s how I do it:
- Place shrimp is bowl (shell on or off)
- Add water and ice
- Slice one lemon and squeeze some of the juice into the bowl.
- Add the lemon slices to the bowl and leave it for 30 minutes.
That’s it! I cook my shrimp immediately after. To me, this is the best way to get really fresh tasting shrimp.
Hack #3: Baking Soda Soak
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 cups of cold water and soak your shrimp for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before cooking. Be careful not to over-soak, as it can affect the texture.
I’ve done this method before, but prefer using the lemon, water and ice hack for the best tasting shrimp.
Shrimp Smell Removal Additional Tips & Tricks
If you want to take your shrimp odor removal game to the next level, or the primary hacks didn’t quite do the trick, don’t worry! I’ve got a few more tips and tricks up our sleeve to ensure your shrimp are as fresh and fragrant as possible.
- Milk Soak: If you’re still noticing a slight fishy odor after trying the previous hacks, soaking your shrimp in milk for 15-20 minutes can help neutralize it further. The milk proteins bind to the TMA (the compound responsible for the smell), effectively removing it.
- Herb & Spice Infusion: Not only do herbs and spices add flavor to your shrimp, but they can also help mask any lingering odor. Toss a few sprigs of thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves into the cooking water, or try adding a pinch of your favorite spice blend.
- Proper Storage: Prevention is key! To avoid fishy smells in the first place, ensure proper storage of your shrimp. Keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back) and use them within a day or two. If you’re not planning on cooking them right away, freezing is the best option for maintaining freshness.
- Other Options: While less common, you can also experiment with soaking shrimp in a weak coffee solution or using lemon peels to help neutralize odors. These methods might not be as effective as the primary hacks, but they could be worth trying if you have the ingredients on hand.
Shrimp Smell Removal Troubleshooting: When the Hacks Don’t Seem to Work
Even with these tried-and-true methods, there might be times when the fishy smell lingers. Don’t panic! Here are some common troubleshooting scenarios and solutions:
- If your shrimp still smells after trying these hacks: It might be old and starting to spoil. Check for signs of spoilage like a slimy texture or a strong ammonia smell.
- How to tell if shrimp is spoiled: Look for discoloration, a slimy texture, and a strong ammonia-like odor. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Which hacks work best for specific types of shrimp: All of these hacks should work for any type of shrimp. However, if you are short on time, the salt rinse might be the quickest method to use.
At the end of the day, if you question the freshness of your shrimp at all, it’s not worth consuming.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Fishy Shrimp Smell
These simple hacks can transform your shrimp dishes from smelly to stellar. Experiment and see which method you prefer!
Let’s Chat!
- Which hack are you most excited to try?
- Have you discovered any other tricks for eliminating shrimp odor?
- What’s your favorite way to cook shrimp once you’ve banished the fishy smell?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments below – let’s create a community of shrimp-loving odor eliminators!
For more information about removing fish odor while cooking, check out this article from Southern Living.
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
Mouthwatering Shrimp Recipes You Should Try
I use the lemon and ice water bath shrimp smell removal hack whenever I make my favorite dishes. Here are some easy recipes to try!
- Oven Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Crispy Homemade Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Coconut Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
- The Best Italian Seafood Stew Recipe
- The Ultimate Egg Fried Rice Wok Recipe With Shrimp
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