Best 3 Fried Smelts Recipes

Fried smelts are a delightful, crispy, and flavorful fish dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer. This versatile dish can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a popular choice for home cooks and restaurant chefs alike. Whether you prefer a simple batter-fried smelt or a more elaborate dish with herbs and spices, there is sure to be a recipe that suits your taste. With its crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, fried smelt is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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

Ingredients

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

Ingredients

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

Ingredients

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:

To ensure the smelts are cleaned properly, make sure to remove the guts, gills, and fins. Use a pair of scissors to make the process easier, especially for removing the fins.
To achieve a crispy coating, double coat the smelts in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off excess flour before frying to prevent clumping.
Use a deep fryer or a large saucepan with at least 3 inches of oil to fry the smelts. This will help ensure that they are cooked evenly and crispy all around.
Fry the smelts in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure that they cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the smelts soggy.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the smelts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Season the smelts with salt and pepper immediately after frying for the best flavor.
Serve the smelts hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or lemon wedges.

Conclusion:

Fried smelts are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. With their crispy coating and flaky flesh, they are a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions. Whether you prefer to coat them in a simple flour mixture or experiment with different seasonings and breading options, fried smelts are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give fried smelts a try – you won't be disappointed!