Description
Want to make delicious fried smelt at home? This simple fried smelt recipe creates an impressive seafood dish that your guests will love.
Turn fresh smelt into crispy, golden delights with this simple recipe. A light seasoned coating gives these fish the perfect crunch and preserves their delicate flavor. These fried smelt make an excellent appetizer or main course that your family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds cleaned small smelt fish
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Canola oil to fry
Instructions
- Start by cleaning the smelt – remove the gills and entrails with gentle motions. Give them a good rinse under cold water and pat them really dry.
- Pour about 2 inches of oil into a wide pan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350-375°F.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Take each smelt and coat it in the flour mixture. Remember to shake off any extra coating.
- Add the fish to the hot oil with care and let them fry for 3-5 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
- Transfer the fried smelt to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Notes
Make sure to pat the fish dry to help the coating stick better
Keep space between pieces and cook in batches when needed
Keep the oil at a steady temperature between batches
Use a strainer to remove loose bits from oil between batches to avoid burning
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Fried