Best 4 Baked Smelts Recipes
**Baked Smelts: A Delectable Treat for Seafood Enthusiasts**
Indulge in the delightful flavors of freshly baked smelts, a culinary gem often overlooked yet brimming with delicate taste and versatility. These small, silvery fish, abundant in coastal waters worldwide, offer a delightful culinary experience, whether enjoyed as a crispy appetizer or a flavorful main course. Discover a treasure trove of baked smelt recipes within this article, each promising a unique taste adventure. From classic preparations showcasing the fish's natural flavors to creative twists that introduce tantalizing combinations of herbs, spices, and accompaniments, these recipes cater to every palate and occasion. Whether you prefer a simple yet satisfying baked smelt with lemon and butter, or a more elaborate dish featuring a crispy breadcrumb crust, or a zesty marinade that infuses the fish with vibrant flavors, this collection has something for every seafood lover.
**The article features a diverse range of baked smelt recipes, catering to various preferences and skill levels:**
* **Classic Baked Smelts with Lemon and Butter:** A timeless recipe that highlights the inherent flavors of smelts, with a touch of lemon and butter adding brightness and richness.
* **Crispy Baked Smelts with Breadcrumbs:** A delightful twist on the classic, where smelts are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, resulting in a golden-brown exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
* **Baked Smelts with Herb Butter:** Enhance the natural flavors of smelts with a compound butter infused with aromatic herbs, creating a flavorful crust that complements the delicate fish.
* **Spicy Baked Smelts with Chili and Lime:** A zesty and vibrant recipe that introduces a spicy kick to the smelts, balanced with the freshness of lime.
* **Baked Smelts with Mediterranean Salsa:** Experience a medley of Mediterranean flavors as smelts are baked with a vibrant salsa made from tomatoes, olives, capers, and herbs.
* **Baked Smelts with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze:** A sweet and savory combination that elevates smelts to a new level, with crispy bacon and a rich brown sugar glaze adding depth and complexity to the dish.
* **Baked Smelts with Lemon Caper Sauce:** A light and tangy sauce made with lemon, capers, and white wine enhances the delicate flavors of the smelts, creating a refreshing and elegant dish.
* **Baked Smelts with Mustard and Dill Sauce:** This creamy and flavorful sauce, featuring Dijon mustard and fresh dill, adds a touch of sophistication to the humble smelt.
PAN-FRIED SMELTS
Steps:
- Rinse the smelts thoroughly and pat dry. Place the bread crumbs, salt and pepper into a large resealable bag and shake to combine. Place the lemon juice into a shallow dish. Dip the smelts into the juice and then place in the bag with the dry mixture and shake until the fish are well coated. You can coat 2 to 3 fish at a time, depending on their size.
- Place enough peanut oil into a 12-inch cast iron skillet just to cover the bottom of the pan. Place over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the smelts to the pan, 4 to 5 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly browned and cooked through.
SMELTS BAKED IN WHITE WINE
Smelts are usually pan-fried. This is a different way to cook them. Adapted from Fish Cookery of North America.
Provided by Chocolatl
Categories Canadian
Time 15m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 500°.
- Place celery and parsley in a greased baking dish.
- Lay the fish on top.
- Pour wine over fish.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
- Add salt, pepper and cayenne.
- Arrange mushrooms on top.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until fish is cooked through, basting once with pan juices.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 520.9, Fat 25.2, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 250.1, Sodium 450.3, Carbohydrate 12.1, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 2, Protein 54.1
BAKED SMELT
Delicious little silver fish about the size of a woman's pinky finger. If smelt are unavailable, small sardines might be substituted. Overnight brining not included in preparation time. From the Mississippi Valley chapter of the United States Regional Cookbook, Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago, 1947.
Provided by Molly53
Categories Very Low Carbs
Time 40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Clean smelt.
- Soak in salt water overnight in refrigerator; rinse.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pour boiling water over smelt and allow to stand for five minutes.
- Place the fish in a baking pan.
- Place a thin slice of bacon over each fish (if large) or a generous covering (if small).
- Sprinkle with pepper as desired; add beef stock and bake in a moderate oven 20 minutes or until fish are cooked through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.8, Fat 29.1, SaturatedFat 9.2, Cholesterol 140.7, Sodium 657.9, Carbohydrate 0.4, Protein 32.6
CORNMEAL-CRUSTED SMELTS WITH CORN DRESSING
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, weekday, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Combine the corn, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, onion, dill seed, sugar, vinegar and water in a small non-aluminum saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- While the corn mixture is cooking, rinse the smelts and pat them dry. Place them in a bowl and add the milk. Season the cornmeal with salt and cayenne pepper to taste and place in a shallow dish.
- When the corn mixture has finished cooking, heat the butter or oil in a large nonstick skillet. Roll the smelts in the cornmeal mixture to coat them, place them in the skillet and cook over medium-high heat about two minutes on each side until lightly browned. Transfer the smelts to a warm platter.
- Drain the corn mixture of any excess liquid, then mix with the mayonnaise. Stir in the mustard and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve the fish garnished with lemon wedges with the sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 867, UnsaturatedFat 39 grams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 48 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 79 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 1362 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Choose fresh smelts: Fresh smelts should have a silvery-white appearance, clear eyes, and a firm texture. Avoid any fish that looks dull or has a slimy coating.
- Clean the smelts properly: Rinse the smelts under cold water and remove the guts and gills. You can also remove the heads and fins if desired.
- Season the smelts well: Smelts have a mild flavor, so it's important to season them well. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Use a light coating of oil: Brush the smelts with a light coating of olive oil or melted butter before baking. This will help to keep them moist and prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Bake the smelts at a high temperature: Bake the smelts at a high temperature (400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius) for a short period of time (10-12 minutes). This will help to keep them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Conclusion:
Baked smelts are a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. Baked smelts are also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give baked smelts a try!
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