Hey there seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for over 10 years, and one question I get asked all the time is about that fishy smell. Let me break down everything you need to know about shrimp odors and how to deal with them.
The Truth About Fresh Shrimp Smell
Fresh shrimp shouldn’t actually smell fishy at all! When I buy shrimp from my local market. I always look for these characteristics
- A mild, ocean-like scent (think beach breeze)
- Slightly salty aroma
- Clean, subtle smell
- No strong or overpowering odors
If your shrimp has a strong fishy or ammonia-like smell, that’s usually a red flag Trust me, I learned this the hard way after one particularly stinky shrimp incident that ruined my dinner party!
Why Does Shrimp Sometimes Smell Fishy?
Several factors can make your shrimp develop that unwanted fishy odor
-
Poor Storage
- Temperature above 40°F
- Improper freezing/thawing
- Leaving at room temperature too long
-
Age Issues
- More than 3-4 days old
- Past the sell-by date
- Poor handling during transport
-
Chemical Changes
- Protein breakdown
- Bacterial growth
- Natural decomposition
How to Check if Your Shrimp is Fresh
Before you buy or cook shrimp, here’s my quick freshness checklist:
Visual Inspection
- Translucent and shiny appearance
- No black spots or discoloration
- Firm, bouncy texture
- No slimy coating
The Smell Test
- Should have minimal ocean-like scent
- No ammonia odor
- No strong fishy smell
- No sour or chemical smell
My Favorite Shrimp Smell Removal Hacks
Over the years, I’ve discovered several effective methods to remove fishy odors. Here are my top 3:
1. The Lemon Ice Bath Method (My Go-To!)
1. Place shrimp in a bowl2. Add cold water and ice3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice4. Add lemon slices5. Soak for 30 minutes2. The Salt Treatment
- Add 1 tablespoon salt per pound of shrimp
- Gently massage
- Rinse with cold water
- Repeat if needed
3. The Acid Solution
- Use vinegar, lime juice, or buttermilk
- Marinate for 15-30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Pat dry before cooking
When to Toss It Out
Look, I know shrimp ain’t cheap, but sometimes you gotta know when to let go. Here’s when I definitely throw shrimp away:
- Strong ammonia smell
- Slimy texture
- Mushy consistency
- Obvious discoloration
- Overwhelming fishy odor
Tips for Buying Fresh Shrimp
Wanna avoid stinky shrimp in the first place? Here’s what I do:
-
Check the Source
- Buy from reputable sellers
- Ask about harvest dates
- Look for sustainable sources
-
Proper Storage
- Keep on ice
- Store at correct temperature
- Use within 2 days
-
Handling
- Clean properly
- Remove shells if needed
- Devein before cooking
Final Thoughts
Remember, fresh shrimp should never smell super fishy! If you’re unsure, better safe than sorry – nobody wants food poisoning from bad seafood (trust me, been there, done that!).
When in doubt, use my lemon ice bath trick – it’s saved many of my shrimp dishes! And hey, if you’re still nervous about cooking shrimp, start with frozen ones. They’re often frozen right after catching and can actually be fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the supermarket.
Got any questions about fishy smells or shrimp cooking? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help ya out!
Happy cooking!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Hack #2: Acidic Marinades
Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or buttermilk can neutralize fishy odors and help with shrimp smell removal. A simple marinade with one of these ingredients and your favorite herbs and spices will do the trick. Marinate for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
This is my preferred method. Here’s how I do it:
- Place shrimp is bowl (shell on or off)
- Add water and ice
- Slice one lemon and squeeze some of the juice into the bowl.
- Add the lemon slices to the bowl and leave it for 30 minutes.
That’s it! I cook my shrimp immediately after. To me, this is the best way to get really fresh tasting shrimp.
Shrimp Smell Removal Additional Tips & Tricks
If you want to take your shrimp odor removal game to the next level, or the primary hacks didn’t quite do the trick, don’t worry! I’ve got a few more tips and tricks up our sleeve to ensure your shrimp are as fresh and fragrant as possible.
- Milk Soak: If you’re still noticing a slight fishy odor after trying the previous hacks, soaking your shrimp in milk for 15-20 minutes can help neutralize it further. The milk proteins bind to the TMA (the compound responsible for the smell), effectively removing it.
- Herb & Spice Infusion: Not only do herbs and spices add flavor to your shrimp, but they can also help mask any lingering odor. Toss a few sprigs of thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves into the cooking water, or try adding a pinch of your favorite spice blend.
- Proper Storage: Prevention is key! To avoid fishy smells in the first place, ensure proper storage of your shrimp. Keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back) and use them within a day or two. If you’re not planning on cooking them right away, freezing is the best option for maintaining freshness.
- Other Options: While less common, you can also experiment with soaking shrimp in a weak coffee solution or using lemon peels to help neutralize odors. These methods might not be as effective as the primary hacks, but they could be worth trying if you have the ingredients on hand.
Why do I smell like fish after eating shrimp?
FAQ
Should you eat shrimp that smells fishy?
If your shrimp smells overly fishy or has a strong, unpleasant odor, it’s likely not fresh and should be avoided.Sep 30, 2024
How do you get the fishy smell out of shrimp?
To remove the fishy smell from shrimp, you can soak them in a solution of salt and lemon juice, or in milk, for about 30 minutes before cooking.
What does off shrimp smell like?
Shrimp has likely gone bad if it has a foul, ammonia-like smell to it. Fresh, good-to-eat shrimp doesn’t have an odor, whether it’s raw or cooked.Jun 12, 2025
Why does shrimp smell so bad?
Shrimp contain extremely high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid. These highly unsaturated long-chain fatty acids are unstable in the presence of light, oxygen, heat, and other factors (Rontani, 2022). Furthermore, iodine odor is the most common off-odor observed in shrimp.
What does raw shrimp smell like?
Typically, raw shrimp should not have a strong odor. The smell is similar to something salty instead of strong like bleach or ammonia. When you touch raw shrimp, it should be firm. Mushy shrimp with broken shells means it’s already spoiled. You should also toss it when the texture has gone from firm to slimy.
Why does shrimp smell like ammonia?
Leading to the animal becoming unpalatable because they have ingested too many toxins for the human body to consume without experiencing food poisoning or gastric distress. Shrimp that ends up smelling of Ammonia should be tossed out immediately, as ammonia indicates spoilage. This is applied to raw shrimp, cooked shrimp, dried shrimp, and stock.