Best 2 Fried Smelt Recipes

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Fried smelt is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. It is a great way to use up leftover smelt and it is also a budget-friendly option. This article will provide you with some tips on how to make the best fried smelt. We will cover everything from choosing the right fish to frying it to perfection. So whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice cook, you are sure to find something helpful in this article.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

FRIED SMELT



FRIED SMELT image

Categories     Fish     Fry     Christmas

Yield 6-8 people

Number Of Ingredients 7

You will need:
2-3 pounds of smelt
Flour
Red pepper flakes
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil

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



Pan Fried Smelt image

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

3 lbs smelt
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
oil (for frying)
whole lemon

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:

  • Use fresh smelt: Fresh smelt is essential for a successful fry. Look for fish that are firm and have a silvery sheen. Avoid fish that are slimy or have a strong odor.
  • Clean the smelt properly: Before frying, it's important to clean the smelt properly. Remove the heads, tails, and fins, and then rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water.
  • Season the smelt: Before frying, season the smelt with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the fish.
  • Use a light batter: A light batter will help to ensure that the smelt is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A simple batter made with flour, eggs, and milk is a good option.
  • Fry the smelt in hot oil: When frying the smelt, it's important to use hot oil. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan and will also help to create a crispy crust.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the smelt, don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the fish from cooking evenly.
  • Drain the smelt on paper towels: After frying, drain the smelt on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Conclusion:

Fried smelt is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your fried smelt is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve the smelt with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, and enjoy!

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