Evaluation of physicochemical and flavor characteristics and primary on lipid oxidation of crucian carp under different cooking methods

This study aimed to reveal the effects of steaming, frying and boiling on the sensory and quality of the cooked crucian carp. 46, 27 and 37 volatiles were detected in the steamed fish, fried fish (FF) and boiled fish (BF), respectively, of which 7 were identified as the key volatiles. Compared with the BF and FF, the SF was richer in esters, aldehydes, alkenes and the kinds and contents of the key volatiles. The contents of moisture and crude protein were the highest in the SF. The FF exhibited the most distinctive aroma profile, much possibly associated with the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value observed in the FF. The content of total free amino acid in the BF was the lowest while the content of umami amino acid content in the SF was the highest (p < 0.05). The nutrition of fatty acids was highest in the SF due to its highest ƩUFA/ƩSFA ratio. PLS-DA analysis showed that SF was positively correlated with the most key volatiles and several free fatty acids. These results indicated that the flavor and nutrition of SF were the highest, providing appropriate cooking methods of crucian carp for the standardized production of bean paste fish. •Effects of steaming, frying and boiling on qualities of crucian carp were studied.•The flavor and eating qualities of cooked crucian carp were analyzed in depth.•Cooking methods of crucian carp caused significant differences in lipid oxidation.•The flavor and nutrition of steamed fish were the highest in the three methods.