Best 2 Fried Smelt Recipes
In the realm of culinary delights, fried smelt stands as a testament to the harmonious union of simplicity and taste. This humble fish, often overshadowed by its larger, more well-known counterparts, possesses a unique charm and flavor that has captivated taste buds for generations.
Our culinary journey begins with a classic recipe that showcases the essence of fried smelt in its purest form. Freshly caught smelt, coated in a delicate batter of flour, salt, and pepper, is gently immersed in hot oil until it achieves a golden-brown crispness. The result is a tantalizing combination of flaky fish and a shatteringly crispy exterior, complemented by a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
For those seeking a more adventurous culinary escapade, our second recipe introduces a tantalizing twist to the classic fried smelt. A flavorful marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs infuses the fish with a zesty and aromatic essence before it is coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection. The result is a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, leaving you craving more.
If you're looking for a delightful appetizer or a quick and easy meal, our third recipe presents a delightful variation of fried smelt nuggets. These bite-sized morsels are coated in a delectable breadcrumb mixture, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and fried until golden brown. Served with a zesty dipping sauce of your choice, these nuggets are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
FRIED SMELT
Steps:
- We usually buy the fish with the heads already removed. Wash them and pat dry. Place a cup or so of flour along with some salt and pepper for taste into the paper bag. Now here comes a fork in the road: in my family, we would throw the smelt in the bag and shake them up until they were covered in flour; my wife prefers dipping the fish in a batter of milk and egg prio to mixing with the flour-your choice. Take a cast iron skillet and add olive oil, along with some garlic and red pepper flakes adding to your taste. (We use a cast iron skillet, but can be replaced with frying pan or deep fryer.) Add the fish to the heated oil and cook until browned on each side. They cook quickly. When finished, drain the oil and place the fish on a paper towel on whatever serving platter you choose (catch the excess oil). Then eat 'em whole! If you like fish, you'll love smelt.
PAN FRIED SMELT
From my collection of handwritten recipes. Note: These tasty little fish are great served with french fries and cole slaw. Cook in small batches, wiping out pan as needed and replacing oil.
Provided by CJAY8248
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 38m
Yield 3 pounds fish, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Clean smelt and wash thoroughly. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dip smelt in water and then coat with flour mixture. Lay coated smelt on waxed paper and allow to set for 15-30 minutes. Coat the bottom of a heavy skillet with oil. Fry smelt in hot oil for 4 minutes on each side. Smelt should be nicely browned. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sliced lemon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 338.2, Fat 7.3, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 204.3, Sodium 564.4, Carbohydrate 12, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 0.1, Protein 52.8
Tips:
- Choose fresh smelt fish that are firm to the touch and have clear eyes.
- Clean the smelt fish by removing the heads, tails, and entrails. Rinse the fish thoroughly with cold water.
- To remove the small bones from the smelt fish, make a small incision along the belly of the fish and carefully remove the backbone. This can be done with a sharp knife or a pair of tweezers.
- Season the smelt fish with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices before frying.
- Use a light coating of flour on the smelt fish before frying to help them crisp up.
- Heat the oil to the proper temperature before frying the smelt fish. The ideal temperature is between 350°F and 375°F.
- Fry the smelt fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the fish until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain the fried smelt fish on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve the fried smelt fish immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.
Conclusion:
Fried smelt is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. This article provides three different recipes for fried smelt, each with its own unique flavor profile. Whether you prefer a simple batter, a flavorful marinade, or a crispy coating, there is a recipe here to suit your taste. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give fried smelt a try. You won't be disappointed!
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