Best 5 Fried Fresh Smelts Recipes

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**Fried Fresh Smelts: A Crispy and Flavorful Delight**

Indulge in the crispy and delectable flavors of fried fresh smelts, a culinary treasure that captures the essence of coastal cuisine. These small, silvery fish, known for their delicate texture and mild flavor, are transformed into golden-brown morsels when expertly fried. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore a collection of mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility and tastiness of fried fresh smelts. From classic Southern-style frying to Asian-inspired tempura, these recipes cater to diverse palates and cooking preferences. Discover the secrets to achieving perfectly crispy exteriors and tender, flaky interiors, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Embark on this culinary adventure and savor the crispy goodness of fried fresh smelts, a true testament to the bounty of the sea.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PAN-FRIED SMELTS



Pan-Fried Smelts image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 21m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 pounds smelts, approximately 12 (6 to 8-inch long) gutted with fins removed
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Peanut oil

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.

FRIED SMELTS



Fried Smelts image

My Newfie grandmother's smelt recipe. They're like little fishy french fries!

Provided by Aredendra

Categories     Seafood     Fish

Time 20m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons salt
¾ pound cleaned smelt
1 cup vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Steps:

  • Whisk together flour and salt in a pie plate. Dredge smelt in flour mixture, coating both the outside and cavity of the fish.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan 1/4-inch deep over medium heat until hot. Place fish in the hot oil; fry until crisp and firm, 2 to 3 minutes each side. Remove fish with a slotted spoon; drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.1 g, Cholesterol 90.6 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 22.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 4845.4 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

GRAMMIE BEA'S FRIED SMELTS



Grammie Bea's Fried Smelts image

We had these a lot growing up, and they were always a real treat... Sweet and delicious, these tiny fish pack a lot of flavor... We always served these with Mashed Potatoes, and Stewed Tomatoes... Some things just go together! WONDERFUL!!!

Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen

Categories     High Protein

Time 50m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 -3 lbs fresh water smelt, small, heads removed and bellys slit and cleaned
3 -4 eggs
1 (8 1/2 ounce) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
oil, enough to fill frying pan up about 2-inch
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Buy as many fresh water smelts as you need. They are smaller and sweeter than sea smelts.
  • Clean the smelts in cold water, cutting off the heads, and snip down the belly with scissors, to remove the bellies.
  • Rinse out the bellies of each one, as you cut and snip the heads.
  • Soak in cold water, until you are ready to cook them, or put in fridge.
  • When ready to cook you will need:.
  • Eggs, beaten in a lg. bowl, enough to dip all your fish in,(depending on how much you are making depends on how many eggs you.
  • need).
  • I use about 3 eggs for 2 lbs. of smelts.
  • Jiffy corn muffin mix, (if you are cooking 2-3 lbs. of smelts 1 box will do. If you are doing more, then you will need at least 2 boxes).
  • oil, enough to fill the frying pan up about 2".
  • salt, to taste.
  • Beat the eggs well, and put them in a bowl.
  • Put Jiffy corn muffin mix in a lg. plate, and mix in salt, about 1/2 teaspoons per box.
  • Put oil in frying pan to get hot. Cook on high heat, letting the pan get hot, before putting in your fish, then turn down the heat to med-high.
  • Dip your fish in the egg, and then in the muffin mix.
  • Deep fry in at least 2" of oil in a heavy frying pan, until golden brown.
  • You can also use this corn muffin mix to cook any other sweet fresh water fish, such as horn pout, or what you may call catfish, bass, white perch etc.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1176.8, Fat 36.2, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 728.3, Sodium 2374.6, Carbohydrate 84.3, Fiber 7.8, Sugar 25.1, Protein 120.5

CRISP FRIED SMELT - SMELTS



Crisp Fried Smelt - Smelts image

I remember making these as a young girl during lent. The last time before today was for my FIL who is gone now for 22 years. He enjoyed them so. These small fish are very addictive. This simple recipe is easy quick and only 4 ingredients. Smelt is the name of a family of silvery fishes found in cool waters. Most measure less than 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. Smelts have a small, fleshy fin behind the dorsal fin on the back like trout and salmon. This is very inexpensive, making it great for those on a tight budget.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     High Protein

Time 12m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/2 lb fish fillet, of Smelts which is the name of a family of silvery fishes found in cool waters of the Northern Hemis
2/3-1 cup flour
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
oil or Crisco (for frying)

Steps:

  • Place flour in gallon or quart size storage bag add fish shake to coat.
  • Mix egg and milk together and dip fish to coat. Then reflour the fish.
  • In a large hot pan add frying oil or Crisco to cover bottom of pan, heat oil then place fish in till browned on one side flip and brown. About 2 minutes.
  • Remove to paper towel or brown paper to drain oil season generously with salt and pepper and garnish if desired with lemon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316.2, Fat 4.3, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 157.5, Sodium 132.2, Carbohydrate 32.7, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.2, Protein 33.8

FRIED FRESH SMELTS



Fried Fresh Smelts image

This is a dish I remember from my childhood, and it comes to mind every time I see fresh smelts available at the grocery. Serve with mashed potatoes for a traditional Swedish meal, or french fries for a more modern meal. This dish can also be made with small herring or sardines. Posted for ZWT6.

Provided by IngridH

Categories     Swedish

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 1/4 lbs smelt (fresh)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Clean fish, and remove the heads.
  • Rinse fish well, and drain.
  • Salt the fish, lightly coat in the breadcrumbs, then fry in the butter until golden brown on both sides.
  • Serve immediately.

Tips for Frying Fresh Smelts:

  • Choose fresh smelts with bright, clear eyes and firm flesh.
  • Clean the smelts thoroughly by removing the head, guts, and fins.
  • Pat the smelts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • Season the smelts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
  • Coat the smelts in a thin layer of flour.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Fry the smelts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Drain the smelts on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • Serve the smelts immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Conclusion:

Fried fresh smelts are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the tips and instructions in this article, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that will impress your friends and family.

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