Best 3 Pan Fried Smelts Recipes

Pan-fried smelts are a crispy, flavorful seafood dish that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Smelts are small, silvery fish that are abundant in many parts of the world, making them a relatively inexpensive and accessible ingredient. The key to cooking pan-fried smelts is to use fresh fish and to cook them quickly over high heat. This will ensure that the smelts are crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside. Pan-fried smelts can be served with a variety of sides, such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or coleslaw.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CRISP FRIED SMELT - SMELTS

Crisp Fried Smelt - Smelts image

I remember making these as a young girl during lent. The last time before today was for my FIL who is gone now for 22 years. He enjoyed them so. These small fish are very addictive. This simple recipe is easy quick and only 4 ingredients. Smelt is the name of a family of silvery fishes found in cool waters. Most measure less than 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. Smelts have a small, fleshy fin behind the dorsal fin on the back like trout and salmon. This is very inexpensive, making it great for those on a tight budget.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories High Protein

Time 12m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1/2 lb fish fillet, of Smelts which is the name of a family of silvery fishes found in cool waters of the Northern Hemis
2/3-1 cup flour
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
oil or Crisco (for frying)

Steps:

Place flour in gallon or quart size storage bag add fish shake to coat.
Mix egg and milk together and dip fish to coat. Then reflour the fish.
In a large hot pan add frying oil or Crisco to cover bottom of pan, heat oil then place fish in till browned on one side flip and brown. About 2 minutes.
Remove to paper towel or brown paper to drain oil season generously with salt and pepper and garnish if desired with lemon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316.2, Fat 4.3, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 157.5, Sodium 132.2, Carbohydrate 32.7, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.2, Protein 33.8

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

Ingredients

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

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:

Choose fresh smelts: Look for smelts with bright, clear eyes and a firm body. Avoid any fish that appear slimy or have an off odor.
Clean the smelts properly: Remove the guts and gills from the smelts before cooking. You can also remove the head and tail if desired.
Use a light coating of flour: Dredge the smelts in a light coating of flour before frying. This will help to create a crispy outer layer.
Fry the smelts in hot oil: Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat before adding the smelts. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.
Cook the smelts until they are golden brown: Fry the smelts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Serve the smelts with your favorite dipping sauce: Smelts can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, lemon juice, or malt vinegar.

Conclusion:

Pan-fried smelts are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their crispy outer layer and flaky white flesh, smelts are a great addition to any meal. Whether you are serving them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, pan-fried smelts are sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give pan-fried smelts a try. You won't be disappointed!