The process of cleaning fish is typically done either by your local fishmonger or before it hits your supermarket display. However, not everyone has access to a fishmonger when they have a supply of fresh fish. The process of learning how to gut and clean fish is fairly simple. You just need the right tools and space to do the task.
Type of fish
The type of fish you have will decide which process you will follow to clean the fish. Many types of freshwater fish need to have the scales removed while others will need to be skinned. However, not all nonscaled fish need to be skinned; this depends primarily on the person who will be eating the fish. The size of the fish also makes a difference in the cleaning process -- larger fish may need to be filleted, while smaller panfish can be cooked whole.
Gutting the fish
Even if the fish will be cooked whole, the fish will need to be gutted. This process is simple but not for the faint of heart. Some people prefer to remove the head prior to gutting, but the choice is completely up to you. By leaving the head, you have more fish to hold on to during the gutting and cleaning process.
Using a sharp knife, cut the stomach area open starting at the vent. Work the knife toward the fish's head until its guts are exposed. If the head has not been removed, be sure to cut completely up through the pelvic fins. For smaller fish, the guts are quite small and can be removed by hand by reaching into the stomach area, grabbing the guts, and removing. For larger fish, the guts may need to be removed with a knife to ensure that none of the stomach contents are left behind.
When cooking whole large fish, the head is customarily left attached to the fish for presentation. When the head is left attached, the gills are also left behind, which can cause a disagreeable flavor to some people. If you prefer to remove the gills, they can be removed easily with a pair of kitchen shears. For small fish, the gills will generally pull out by hand with little effort.
Cleaning
The process of removing the scales from the fish can either be done before or after gutting. A butter knife or metal spoon both work nicely in removing the scales or you can purchase a specialty scaler. To remove the scales, hold the fish firmly and begin scraping the scales from tail to head.
After removing the scales from both sides of the fish, remove the scales that are located on the top and bottom area. Rinse the fish and run your finger along the fish's body to ensure all of the scales have been cleaned away.
For fish that do not have scales, you can remove the skin by scoring the skin just below the head. Using a special tool or a pair of kitchen pliers, pull the skin down towards the tail in strips until all of the skin has been removed.
Final touches
After you have learned how to gut and clean a fish, you will quickly discover that this is a messy job. It is best to gut and clean your fish outdoors with plenty of space. The cleaning space can be sprayed down with an outdoor hose after you have finished. Once the fish are gutted and cleaned, you can prepare the fish using your preferred cooking method.
Monkfish recipes are as versatile as are the methods of cooking. Regardless of the procedure (sauteed, broiled, boiled, baked, poached or grilled) monkfish is delicious. |
Learn about cooking fish with this collection of tips and recipes including steam fish recipes, what the best herbs for fish are and a variety of white fish recipes to start. |
Whether deep-fried or pan-fried, baked or broiled, fish is likely to be a big part of a Wisconsin local's diet, thanks to the generations-old tradition of the Wisconsin Fri...click here for more. |
Learning how to cook fish en papillote, a French term for cooking fish in parchment paper, is not difficult. This is a perfect way to cook fish along with vegetables at the same time. |
If you're interested in cooking salmon, you're not alone. Americans have tripled their consumption of salmon in the past decade primarily due to the publication of the tremendous health benefits attributed to eating salmon. |
Classic fish and chips recipes are the perfect comfort food. This British cuisine staple is famous for thick wedges of potatoes, beer batter and delicious white fish. |
There's nothing like a delicious smoked salmon appetizer. Try preparing this simple salmon treat that will leave your guests wondering how you had time to slave away for hours preparing such a delicacy. |
With red meat on the "avoid if possible" list for many and concerns about chicken farming practices making some individuals limit their consumption of poultry, fish is beco...click here for more. |
Healthy fish recipes don't have to be boring. Instead of using tartar sauce, try cooking with herbs. |
The most important thing about a whole fish recipe is to have the fish gutted and scaled at your fish market. It's too much work to do at home, and it'll save you a lot of time without all of the hassle. |
Jazz up dinner with delicious fish taco recipes. When making fresh fish tacos, the one thing you'll need to remember is to make enough because everyone will want seconds! |
Try creating some delicious white fish recipes if you are tired of the same basic fish recipes for dinner. |
It?s best to stay simple when you are trying to find different types of fish marinades. Some typical ingredients found in fish marinades are lemon juice, white wine, vinegar and salt and pepper. |
Healthy steamed fish recipes not only show the cook how to steam fish so that it's flaky and moist, but they also show the cook how to incorporate other healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits. |
There are many different methods for cooking fish, but one of the healthiest ways is to prepare your fish with fresh herbs. |
Spice up your next family dinner with delectable fish curry recipes. |
Fish is a versatile meat eaten all over the world. There are any number of methods for cooking fish. Seasoning and breading are a matter of taste. |
Learning how to clean a fish is easier than you might think. With a few basic tips, you'll be cleaning like a pro in no time. |
With so many types of fish available in the marketplace choosing the best one for your recipe can be challenging. Find tips to choosing the best fish for your needs. |
If you want to spice up a basic fish dinner, try creating delicious drum fish recipes. |
