How to clean fish? A Complete Guide for Beginners

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Cleaning fish can seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a little practice, you can prepare delicious fish-based dishes at home. In this article, we'll guide you step by step through the whole process, from choosing the fish to removing the scales and entrails.

These are the materials you need:

Sharp knife (fish-specific, if possible)
Cutting board
Scaler (optional)
Tweezers
Newspaper or paper towel
Running water
Container for the entrails

How to choose fish?

Freshness: Check the gills (they should be red and shiny) and the eyes (clear and prominent). The flesh should be firm and elastic to the touch.
Type of fish: The cleaning technique can vary slightly depending on the type of fish. Smaller fish, such as sardines, can be cleaned whole, while larger fish, such as salmon, are usually filleted.

That's the technique:

Preparation:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Prepare the work area with newspaper or paper towels to avoid mess.
Place the fish on a clean cutting board.

Removing the scales:

Hold the fish firmly with one hand and, with the other, use a scaler or the back of a knife to scrape off the scales in the direction from the tail to the head.

If you prefer, you can run the fish under running water while you scrape off the scales.

Opening the fish:

With the sharp knife, make a cut along the belly of the fish, from the anus to the head, taking care not to puncture the internal organs.
Remove the viscera carefully, also removing the lateral line (a dark band that runs along the body of the fish).

Internal cleaning:

Wash the inside of the fish under running water, removing any residual blood or viscera.
If desired, remove the fish's head and tail.

Removing the bones:

To remove the bones, you can use tweezers or a knife. Start with the largest bones and then remove the thinner ones.

For fish fillets, make a cut along the backbone, separating the meat from the bone.

Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife makes the job easier and prevents the meat from being mashed.
Wash your hands and utensils thoroughly: Hygiene is essential to avoid contamination.
Store clean fish in a closed container in the fridge: Clean fish should be eaten as soon as possible.