Gather the necessary tools
- Sharp fillet knife
- Cutting board
- Clean, cold water
- Paper towels
Before you begin cleaning the fish, it is important to have all the necessary tools ready. A sharp fillet knife is crucial for precise cuts, while a cutting board provides a stable surface. Clean, cold water will be used for rinsing the fish, and paper towels will come in handy for drying it.
Start by scaling
The first step in cleaning a whole fresh cod is to remove the scales. Hold the fish under cold running water and use the back of the knife or a scaler to scrape off the scales. Work from the tail towards the head, making sure to cover all areas of the fish.
Remove the fins
Next, it’s time to remove the fins. Use your fillet knife to slice along the base of each fin, one at a time. Apply gentle pressure to free the fins from the body of the fish. Repeat this process for all the fins, including the dorsal and pectoral fins.
Gut the fish
Now comes the gutting process. Lay the fish on its side and make an incision along the belly, starting from the base of the head and ending at the anal vent. Avoid puncturing the internal organs while making the cut. Use your fingers or a spoon to carefully remove the organs and discard them.
Rinse and pat dry
After gutting the fish, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining blood or debris. Place the cod under cold running water and rinse inside and out until the water runs clear. Remember to clean out the cavity. Once clean, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Ready to cook!
Now that you have a beautifully cleaned and prepped whole fresh cod, you are ready to cook it any way you like. Whether you choose to bake, grill, or fry, you can now confidently proceed with your recipe. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Cleaning and preparing a whole fresh cod may seem daunting at first, but by following these simple steps, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember to gather all the necessary tools, scale the fish, remove the fins, gut it properly, and rinse and dry thoroughly. With practice, you’ll perfect your technique and be able to enjoy this delicious fish more often.