Fish is one of the most delicious and nutritious foods you can cook – but many beginners avoid it because they’re unsure how to:
- Identify fresh fish
- Store fish properly
- Clean or cut fish
- Avoid strong smells
- Prepare it for their favourite dishes
The truth is: fish is easy to cook once you understand the basics.
And with platforms like chotu, getting fresh fish delivered from nearby local shops has become incredibly simple.
This complete beginner-friendly guide will help you handle fish confidently at home, from buying it fresh to cleaning, storing, and preparing it safely.
Let’s start with the most important step – choosing the right fish.
1️⃣ How to Choose Fresh Fish (The Beginner’s Checklist)
Fresh fish looks, smells, and feels a certain way. Here’s how to identify the best fish, even if you’re new to it.
✔ Clear, bright eyes
A fresh fish’s eyes are shiny and full – not cloudy.
✔ Firm flesh
Press gently. The flesh should bounce back.
✔ Red or pink gills
This is the biggest freshness indicator.
✔ Shiny skin with tight scales
It shouldn’t look dull or dry.
✔ Mild smell
Fresh fish has a light ocean aroma, never a strong odour.
✔ Moist, not sticky
Stickiness means it’s not fresh.
If you’re unsure, simply ask the seller on WhatsApp via chotu:
“Is this today’s catch?”
Local sellers usually answer honestly.
2️⃣ How to Order Fresh Fish Easily Using chotu
Before learning cleaning techniques, you first need the right fish.
chotu makes this simple by connecting you to nearby fish shops – the ones with the freshest stock.
Here’s the exact flow:
Step-by-Step: Ordering Fresh Fish With chotu
Step 1: Open chotu.com or the app, No login required.
Step 2: Select Fish category
Step 3: Tap Find Near Me
Nearby fish shops appear instantly.
Step 4: Tap the > button on any shop
See its catalogue:
- Rohu
- Katla
- Pomfret
- Seer fish
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Prawns
- Crabs
Step 5: Add items you want
Step 6: Tap Order on WhatsApp
Your items auto-load into a WhatsApp message.
Step 7: Ask the seller directly
- “Can you clean it?”
- “Please cut for curry/fry.”
- “Do you have medium prawns?”
This makes fish buying simple for beginners.
3️⃣ How to Clean Fish at Home (If Not Cleaned by the Shop)
Most local shops clean and cut for you. But if you prefer to clean at home, here’s how.
Step 1: Rinse fish under cold running water
Never use hot water – it affects texture.
Step 2: Scale the fish (if needed)
Use a knife’s back and scrape from tail → head.
Step 3: Remove the fins
Cut with kitchen scissors.
Step 4: Open the belly gently
Remove internal organs completely.
Step 5: Wash thoroughly
Rinse until water runs clear.
Step 6: Remove any remaining blood
Blood spots cause strong smell if left behind.
Step 7: Pat dry
Use a clean cloth or tissue.
Cleaning Prawns (Beginner-friendly)
✔ Remove the shell
✔ Pull out the vein from the back
✔ Wash thoroughly
✔ Pat dry
If this feels complicated, ask the seller on WhatsApp:
“Please clean and devein the prawns.”
Most shops do it perfectly.
4️⃣ How to Cut Fish (Based on Recipe)
Different dishes need different cuts.
For Fish Curry:
- Medium pieces
- With bone
- 1–1.5 inch cubes
For Fry:
- Thick slices
- No extra water
- Skin-on preferred
For Grill/Tandoor:
- Large steaks
- Boneless or bone-in
For Prawns:
Instead of cutting it yourself, ask the seller through WhatsApp:
“Cut for curry/fry.”
“It should be thick slices.”
Local sellers know exactly how to do it.
5️⃣ How to Store Fish Properly at Home
Fish spoils fast, so proper storage is important.
Short-Term Storage (Same Day Cooking)
✔ Keep fish in the coldest section of your fridge
(Usually the back or bottom shelf)
✔ Place in an airtight box
Add a few ice cubes if possible.
✔ Cook within
6–8 hours
This gives the best taste.
Overnight Storage
✔ Cover fish with ice in a steel bowl
✔ Keep the bowl inside the fridge
✔ Drain water next morning
✔ Cook immediately
Avoid storing raw fish for more than 24 hours.
Freezing (For Longer Storage)
✔ Clean and pat dry
✔ Separate into small portions
✔ Store in ziplock or airtight box
✔ Freeze up to 1 month
But note:
Fresh fish always tastes better than frozen.
6️⃣ How to Remove Fish Smell Easily
Many beginners worry about smell in the kitchen.
Here’s how to eliminate it:
✔ Use lemon or vinegar
Wash fish lightly with either.
✔ Rub with salt + turmeric
Neutralises odour naturally.
✔ Keep windows open while cooking
Ensures ventilation.
✔ Clean cutting board immediately
Soak in hot water + soap.
✔ Boil vinegar water for stubborn smells
Works instantly.
7️⃣ How to Prepare Fish for Cooking (Recipe-Ready)
Step 1: Marinate properly
Salt + turmeric is the base for most Indian fish dishes.
Step 2: Avoid over-washing after cleaning
It affects texture.
Step 3: Keep fish at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking
Avoids tough texture during frying.
Step 4: Use minimal water
Excess water breaks pieces while cooking.
8️⃣ Beginner-Friendly Cooking Tips
✔ For Fry
Use medium flame so fish cooks evenly.
✔ For Curry
Add fish near the end of cooking to avoid breaking.
✔ For Grill
Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
✔ For Prawns
Do NOT overcook – they become rubbery in seconds.
Why chotu Is Perfect for Beginner Fish Buyers
If you’re new to fish shopping, here’s why chotu helps:
✔ Shows only nearby fresh fish shops
Beginner-safe.
✔ WhatsApp ordering = clarity
You can ask questions freely.
✔ Sellers clean & cut as required
No need to do it at home.
✔ Faster delivery
Fresh fish reaches you quickly.
✔ You avoid warehouse-packed frozen fish
Beginner cooks taste the difference instantly.
A First-Time Buyer’s Experience (Example)
You open chotu → select Fish → tap “Find Near Me.”
A fish shop 1.2 km away appears.
You add rohu + prawns → tap “Order on WhatsApp”.
You ask:
“Please cut the rohu for curry.”
“Please devein the prawns.”
Seller replies:
“Done madam, delivering fresh morning stock.”
Delivery arrives.
You follow this guide to cook it.
Meal turns out perfect – without stress.
Conclusion – Anyone Can Cook Great Fish With the Right Guide & Fresh Ingredients
Handling fish isn’t complicated.
You just need:
✔ Fresh fish (local shops are best)
✔ Proper cleaning
✔ Correct cut
✔ Right storage
✔ Simple cooking techniques
chotu makes the entire process easier by connecting you to nearby fish shops and allowing direct WhatsApp ordering.
Try it today:
Open chotu → Select Fish → Tap Find Near Me → Add items → Order on WhatsApp.
Get fresh, cleaned, ready-to-cook fish delivered quickly – perfect for beginners.