How to pickle salted fish
Pickling salted fish is one of the traditional Chinese food processing methods, which can not only extend the preservation time of fish, but also give it a unique flavor. In recent years, with the rise of healthy eating, homemade salted fish has become the choice of many families. This article will introduce in detail the steps, precautions and related data of pickling salted fish to help you master this skill easily.
1. Basic steps for pickling salted fish

1.Choose fish: Choose fresh, firm-fleshed fish, such as grass carp, mackerel or hairtail. The weight of the fish is recommended to be between 1-2 kg, which is convenient for pickling and drying.
2.handling fish: Remove scales and internal organs from fish, wash and drain. It can be cut from the back of the fish and flattened into slices for easy pickling.
3.pickled: Apply salt evenly to the inside and outside of the fish body. The amount of salt is generally 15%-20% of the weight of the fish. Spices such as peppercorns and star anise can be added according to personal taste.
4.dry: Hang the marinated fish in a ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, and dry it for 3-5 days until the surface is dry.
2. Precautions for pickling salted fish
1.Amount of salt: Too much salt will cause the salted fish to be too salty, while too little salt will cause it to become easily spoiled. It is recommended to strictly follow the proportions when trying it for the first time.
2.Environmental health: During the pickling and drying process, tools and the environment must be kept clean to avoid bacterial contamination.
3.Weather options: Avoid drying in humid or rainy days, otherwise it may become moldy.
3. Data related to pickled salted fish
| fish | Amount of salt (account for fish weight) | Marinate time (hours) | Drying time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| grass carp | 15%-20% | 24-48 | 3-5 |
| Spanish mackerel | 18%-22% | 24-36 | 4-6 |
| Hairtail | 12%-15% | 12-24 | 2-3 |
4. Frequently Asked Questions about Pickled Salted Fish
1.What to do if there is mold on the surface of salted fish?: If there are few mildew spots, you can wipe it with white wine and dry it in the sun; if the mildew is serious, it is recommended to discard it.
2.How to remedy salted fish that is too salty?: Soak in water for 2-3 hours before consumption, changing water 1-2 times in between.
3.How long can salted fish be kept?: Well-dried salted fish can be stored in a cool, dry place for 3-6 months.
5. Suggestions for eating salted fish
The pickled salted fish can be steamed, fried or stewed. Common dishes include salted fish steamed meat pie, salted fish and eggplant stew, etc. It is recommended to soak to remove salt before eating to avoid excessive sodium intake.
With the above steps and techniques, you can easily pickle salted fish with unique flavor at home. Whether as a home-cooked side dish or as a gift to relatives and friends, homemade salted fish can embody the charm of traditional cuisine.
check the details
check the details