**Fried Smelts: A Crispy Delight with Versatile Recipes**
Savor the delectable taste of fried smelts, a crispy and flavorful dish that has captured the hearts of seafood enthusiasts worldwide. These small, silvery fish, known for their delicate flesh and mild flavor, are transformed into a golden-brown delicacy when coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection. In this article, we present a collection of tantalizing recipes that showcase the versatility of fried smelts, offering a variety of cooking techniques and flavors to suit every palate. From the classic beer-battered smelts to the zesty lemon-herb smelts, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a crispy and delicious outcome. Whether you prefer a simple preparation or a more elaborate dish, our recipes will guide you in creating a memorable fried smelt experience. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey and discover the irresistible charm of this crispy seafood delight.
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.
FRIED FRESH SMELTS
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
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.
FRIED SMELTS
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
Tips:
- Choose fresh smelts: Look for smelts with bright, clear eyes and firm, shiny skin.
- Clean the smelts properly: Remove the heads, tails, and fins. Then, rinse the smelts thoroughly under cold water.
- Season the smelts well: Use a combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to season the smelts.
- Dredge the smelts in flour: Dredging the smelts in flour will help them to get crispy.
- Fry the smelts in hot oil: Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before frying the smelts. Fry the smelts for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the smelts hot: Fried smelts are best served hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Fried smelts are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for a special occasion. With their crispy coating and tender, flaky flesh, fried smelts are sure to please everyone at your table.
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