The Best Way To Cook Fish When You Don't Want Your Kitchen To Smell

If you're looking for a fast, nutritious dinner, then fish may just be your go-to. You'll never get bored with dozens of options, including salmon, cod, catfish, tilapia, and more. Plus, fish is incredibly good for you.

WebMD states that fish is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. The benefits of eating fish include improved brain health, lower risk of heart disease, and decreased risk of depression. Pair it with some roasted Brussels sprouts and cilantro lime rice, and you've got yourself a wholesome feast.

However, if there's one con to preparing fish, it's the lingering smell it leaves behind, especially when you cook it at home. Even if you've scrubbed your baking dish clean, your house is bound to smell like fish for the rest of the evening. So, how can you reap the benefits of this tasty protein without scaring off your guests? The answer lies in how you prepare and cook your fish.

Fortunately, there's a way to prevent the smell of fish from consuming your entire house. According to The Washington Post, the best way to avoid a fishy odor is to wrap your fish in packaging, such as parchment paper, and let it cook undisturbed ("en papillote," as the French would say). The moist heat within the parchment will prevent the fish from drying out and allow the steamed aromatics to penetrate the fish and not your home.

Good Housekeeping also states that boiling your fish on the stove with oil and vinegar can help prevent smelly fish. Per Epicurious, you can also try soaking your fish for 20 minutes in milk and squeezing some fresh lemon juice on it before cooking.

But why does fish have such a potent smell to begin with? After all, cooking meats such as chicken and beef doesn't leave behind a lingering unpleasant odor. Dr. Joseph H. Hotchkiss, a food science professor at Cornell University, explained to The New York Times in 2000 that the science behind the stench begins when the fish is caught and exposed to the air, beginning a process called carboxylation. This is especially true with coldwater, surface-dwelling fish, such as haddock or cod. Hotchkiss explains that salmon and trout are less smelly because they're freshwater fish.

There are plenty of tricks you can try to prevent the smell of your next fish dinner from lingering throughout your home. But if you try them all and you still notice a faint, unpleasant aroma, don't fret.

Southern Living says that eliminating that fishy smell starts with buying fresh fish. If your fish smells upon removing it from the packaging, that isn't a good sign, and you should probably not cook it. A good rule of thumb is that your fish should never smell unpleasant until it begins cooking.

To neutralize the fishy smell, open a window and let in some fresh air, suggests the Fulton Fish Market. You can also season your fish with spices, vinegar, and lemon to let the scent of the aromatics work its magic. And when all else fails, light a candle or opt for a different dish if you're really afraid of scaring off your guests.