If your fish isn't good, you may have made one (or more) of these 6 mistakes. Find out what they are!

Monday 24 February 2025 09:02
If your fish isn't good, you may have made one (or more) of these 6 mistakes. Find out what they are!

Cooking fish can be a challenging task, even for the most experienced cooks. Small mistakes can compromise the taste and texture of the dish. Below, we highlight some common mistakes when preparing fish and how to avoid them:


1. Overcooking the fish

One of the most common mistakes is leaving fish on the fire for too long, resulting in a dry, tasteless texture. To avoid this, it's important to monitor the cooking time and use proper techniques. For example, when grilling fish, start with the skin facing down over medium to medium-high heat until the skin is crispy, which usually takes five to seven minutes. Then lower the heat and carefully turn the fish over so that it finishes cooking for just a few seconds on the other side.

source: tudogostoso.com.br


2. Do not dry the fish before cooking

Cooking fish with excess moisture on the surface can prevent the skin from crisping up and the meat from reaching the desired texture. Before cooking, pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This is especially important when grilling or frying, as it helps to achieve a crispy skin and prevents the fish from sticking to the pan.

source: tudogostoso.com.br


3. Improper use of spices

Limiting yourself to salt and pepper can result in a bland dish. Fish goes well with a variety of herbs and spices that can enhance its flavor. Try adding ingredients such as garlic, lemon, dill, thyme or even spices like paprika and cumin to give the dish more depth of flavor.

source: bigdelivery.com.br


4. Improper choice of frying pan

Using an unsuitable pan can cause the fish to stick or cook unevenly. Non-stick frying pans are ideal for cooking fish, especially for those who don't have much experience in the kitchen. They help ensure that the fish doesn't stick and cooks evenly.

source: tudogostoso.com.br


5. Not respecting the rest period

Like red meat, fish also benefits from a short resting period after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat. After removing the fish from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

source: lifestyle.sapo.pt


6. Inadequate storage

Keeping fish fresh is crucial to ensuring a good result in the kitchen. Store fish in the coldest part of the fridge and consume it as soon as possible after purchase. If you're not going to use it immediately, consider freezing it to preserve its quality.

source: deco.proteste.pt

By paying attention to these details and adopting the recommended practices, you can significantly improve the quality of your fish dishes, ensuring tastier and more enjoyable preparations.


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MirellaMirella
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.