Why Does My Shrimp Taste Fishy? How to Fix It

Have you ever cooked up some beautiful, fresh shrimp only to find they have an unpleasant fishy taste? This common problem can ruin an otherwise delicious meal, leaving you wondering what went wrong Don’t worry – with a few simple tricks, you can get rid of that fishy flavor and enjoy shrimp that tastes as good as it looks

What Causes Fishy Tasting Shrimp?

There are a few potential culprits behind fishy shrimp:

Old or Poor Quality Shrimp

Shrimp goes bad quickly, even when frozen. Signs your shrimp has already turned before cooking include dull, gray coloration, soft texture, and a strong fishy odor. Only buy shrimp from reputable sellers and make sure to check the expiration date.

Improper Thawing

Thawing frozen shrimp on the counter or in hot water allows bacteria growth that makes it taste fishy. Always thaw in the refrigerator overnight instead.

Overcooking

Cooking shrimp for too long can make it rubbery and release more fishy flavors. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch it closely.

Oxidation

Exposure to air causes oxidation that makes shrimp taste fishy. Store it covered in the coldest part of the fridge and limit time out of the fridge or freezer.

Tips to Fix Fishy Tasting Shrimp

Luckily you can rescue shrimp that tastes fishy with a few simple tricks

Soak in Milk

Soaking raw shrimp in milk for 30 minutes before cooking can draw out fishy flavors. The proteins in milk bind with the compounds that cause fishy tastes. Rinse after soaking and pat dry.

Use Citrus

A squeeze of lemon or lime juice adds pleasant acidity that balances and covers fishy notes in cooked shrimp. Marinate raw shrimp in citrus juices for 30 minutes before cooking.

Change Cooking Method

Try cooking fishy tasting shrimp a different way. Grilling, sautéing, or roasting shrimp can mask off-flavors better than boiling or steaming.

Use Bold Seasonings

Spices, herbs, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients help cover up fishy tastes. Try recipes with robust ingredients like Cajun seasoning, rosemary, cayenne, or chili flakes.

Don’t Overcook

Avoid overcooking shrimp, which causes it to release more fishy flavor. Take it off the heat as soon as it turns pink and opaque throughout.

Buy Better Quality

Purchase shrimp from a high-end grocer or fish market if you suspect the quality. Opt for wild caught or sustainably farmed shrimp when possible.

Storing Shrimp Properly

Storing shrimp correctly helps prevent or delay fishy flavors:

• Keep raw shrimp very cold. Store in a bowl covered in ice in the coldest part of the fridge.

• Wrap opened packages tightly and remove excess air. Air speeds spoilage.

• Freeze extra raw shrimp in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a bag to prevent clumping.

• Seal frozen shrimp in air-tight freezer bags and press out all air. It can stay frozen for up to four months.

• Never refreeze thawed shrimp. Cook within a day or two.

• Marinate shrimp in citrus juice or sauce helps preserve it longer in the fridge. The acidity slows bacteria growth.

• Cooked shrimp only lasts a few days in the fridge. Eat ASAP for best flavor.

What If My Shrimp Smells Bad?

A strong, fishy odor in raw shrimp before cooking likely means it has already spoiled and will taste bad no matter what you do. Some signs your shrimp has gone bad:

• A strong, fishy or ammonia smell

• Dull, gray/yellow flesh

• Soft, mushy texture

• Mold growing on surface

• Slimy feel rather than damp

• Out of date expiration/best by date

If you notice any of these signs, err on the side of caution and throw the shrimp out. Eating spoiled seafood can cause food poisoning. It’s better to be safe than sorry with questionable shrimp.

Common Questions about Fishy Shrimp

Why do my frozen shrimp smell fishy?

Frozen shrimp should have little or no scent. A fishy odor in frozen shrimp indicates it was stored improperly and exposed to air, causing it to spoil faster. Discard frozen shrimp with a strong fishy smell.

Can I get rid of the fishy smell in shrimp?

You can reduce but not fully eliminate fishy odors in shrimp. Soaking in milk and marinating in citrus juice helps draw some odor out before cooking. But if shrimp smells very fishy and bad, it is likely spoiled and unsafe to eat.

How do I get the shrimp smell out of my fridge?

Shrimp odors can linger in the fridge. Wipe down interior surfaces with equal parts vinegar and water. Baking soda or activated charcoal in the fridge can help absorb odors. Airing out the fridge and replacing old shelves/drawers eliminates odors over time.

Why do my wild shrimp taste fishier?

Wild shrimp have more natural, ocean-like flavors than farm-raised shrimp fed manufactured diets. Their stronger taste is not necessarily a flaw. Embrace the bolder flavor or use extra seasoning and herbs to balance it out.

Enjoy Shrimp at Its Best

With proper storage, preparation, and cooking, shrimp can be sweet, tender, and delicious without any fishiness. A few simple tricks go a long way to preventing or fixing funky flavors. Give these tips a try so you can enjoy shrimp anytime without worrying about fishy tastes ruining the meal.