Alright, I’m not new to a tiny kitchen, but fish is the one thing that makes me want to give up. I made pan-seared trout last night, had the window cracked and the ceiling fan going, and this morning the hallway outside my door still smells like a fish market. My neighbor definitely gave me a look.

What’s the actual move here? Simmer vinegar? Burn a candle? Fry less? I don’t mind my own apartment smelling for a night, but I’d rather not be the reason the whole floor hates me. Do any of you just say screw it and cook fish anyway, or is there a hack I’m missing?

Oh man, I did salmon last week and I could smell it in my hair the next day. I didn't think the hallway would catch it, but my super definitely asked if I’d been making "something strong." I tried leaving a bowl of coffee grounds near the door, but then it was just fish plus old coffee.

Is the vinegar thing real? Do you bring it to a boil or just leave it out? Would love any fix that doesn't require me to throw out my coat.

Firstwinter, the vinegar thing is real but timing matters. Put a small pot of water with a glug of white vinegar and a lemon rind on low while you cook, and let it go a little after. It doesn't completely erase fish, but it knocks down the stale oil smell.

Bigger thing is airflow: you want a fan pointing out the window, not just the ceiling fan. If you don't have a box fan, even a floor fan aimed at the window helps. Also for fish, lower-heat methods like en papillote or a quick broil on foil with a marinade smell way less than pan-searing skin-on. Save the hard sear for when you can open a front door and back window.

Thanks WestVillage_W. So if I do the fan pointing out, should I crack another window behind it? I tried high-heat salmon in the oven last week and the smoke alarm went off before it even browned.

Does cooking fish in parchment actually keep the smell in? I always assumed it was just for moisture, but if it keeps my neighbor from giving me the silent treatment I'll try it. Also, firstwinter, I'm with you on the hair thing. I washed my hair twice and still felt like a pier.