Problembeginnerdraft

Fish smells strong

Also searched as: fishy smell, fish smells, removing fishy smell

In short: Fresh fish smells of the sea. The typical fishy smell only develops when bacteria break down substances in the flesh.

Picture it

Like milk that only smells sour after a few days: the smell shows the age.

What happened in your kitchen?

Question 1

Did the fish already smell strong when unwrapped?

No longer fresh
Sea fish contains an odourless substance that bacteria break down into strong-smelling trimethylamine. The older the fish, the more of it.
Next time: Buy fresh and cook the same day
Stored too warm
Warmth makes the bacteria work faster.
Next time: Store on ice in the coldest part of the fridge
The smell clings to hands and pan
Trimethylamine is a weak base. Acid such as lemon binds it and softens the smell.
Next time: Sprinkle with lemon juice · Wash hands with lemon or vinegar

Sources · 1