Share
Monsoon is one type of weather when all the water bodies get flooded with water, but that does not translate into catching seafood in large quantities. Moreover, cooking fish in this weather needs extra caution so that you do end up ruining the produce you just got from the market.
Video Credit: Chef Ranveer Brar/ YouTube
Irrespective of the weather, you would want the fish to taste delicious, ensure it is fresh, and safe to consume. A few cooking tips can help you cook the most delicious fish at home without putting in extra effort.
Buy Fresh
Purchasing the fish is the first source to cooking a good quality fish-based delicacy. The best way to verify if the fish is fresh is to look into its eyes. If the eyes are clear, flesh is firm, and it has a mild smell, the fish is fresh. However, if the eyes of the aquatic animal are cloudy, have a strong smell, and flesh is soft, you should stay clear from it. If the fish is not fresh, humidity during monsoon can ruin it quickly.
Also Read: Fishy Tales: When In Goa, Know Your Fish
Clean It Thoroughly
After purchasing the fish, the next step is to clean it thoroughly. Place it under the running water to remove scales, any blood, and guts. It will prevent the fish from smelling foul or taste bad. In humidity, bacteria also thrive on dead animals. If you clean it thoroughly, you can get rid of all kinds of impurities and any bacteria colony that was planning to thrive.
Marination Is The Key
Irrespective of the weather, you should not skip marinating the fish. Use ingredients like turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt and keep the fish aside for 30 minutes at least. These ingredients act as natural disinfectants. Not only, these spices improve the taste of the fish but also reduce any kind of foul odour and infuse it with aroma and flavours.
Avoid Cooking Raw Fish
In monsoon, you should avoid cooking fish varieties like ceviche and salmon, especially for dishes like sushi. Leaving the fish raw will increase the chances of foodborne illnesses. At the same time, you must not overcook the fish because it can leave the flesh dry, chewy, and tough.
Use Spices
In monsoon, you need spices to enhance the flavour of the fish. You should use condiments with antimicrobial properties that can prevent the fish from spoilage, enhancing its palate. Use cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, and garlic in a generous amount. It will enhance the flavour of the fish and make the dish more delicious.
Cook To Perfection
It is necessary to cook the fish to perfection in monsoon. The internal temperature should at least touch 63°C before you turn off the flame. If you leave it uncooked, parasites and bacteria can remain inside the aquatic animal. However, if you cook it thoroughly, you can get rid of all kinds of germs and reduce risks of food borne illnesses.
Cooking Methods
What cooking methods you choose to cook the fish will make all the difference. Grilling or boiling can prevent sticking, steaming preserves the natural flavour of the animal, pan-frying can help to achieve the crispy texture, and curries enhance the flavour of the fish. For stews and curries, you can use tomatoes, coconut milk, and tamarind for a sumptuous base.
