Best 3 Fried Smelts Recipes

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**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.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

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 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.

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

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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