How to Clean Fish by Hand (The Spanish Method)

Hold the fish belly-up in your hand.

Use your thumbs to open the belly gently from the gills down toward the tail.

Pull out the entrails with your fingers in one smooth motion.

Rinse the cavity under running water until clean.

5. Trim the Gills (Optional)

If you want a cleaner taste, hook your finger inside the gill covers and pull the gills out by hand.

6. Final Rinse

Wash the fish thoroughly inside and out.

Place it in your clean bowl, ready for cooking.

Tips for Success

Use fresh fish: The firmer the fish, the easier it is to clean by hand.

Best for small/medium fish: Sardines, anchovies, mackerel, or similar. Large fish are harder to manage without a knife.

Work quickly: The longer the fish sits out, the more slippery it becomes.

Keep it cold: Always use cold water to preserve freshness and texture.