Crisp Fried Smelt Smelts

Dive into the crisp perfection of these golden, bite-sized delights with our Crisp Fried Smelt Smelts recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, and cracked black pepper, these tender smelt fish are coated in a light, crunchy mixture of cornmeal and flour for an irresistible texture. Quick to make in just 25 minutes, they’re pan-fried to golden-brown perfection in hot vegetable oil for a restaurant-quality finish right at home. Serve these crispy delights piping hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite dipping sauce for a snack or appetizer that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Ideal for seafood lovers or anyone craving a deliciously crunchy treat, this recipe is sure to brighten your next gathering or family dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Smelt fish
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 2 Eggs
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 2 cups Vegetable oil
• 1 Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and pat dry the smelt fish. Ensure they are cleaned and scaled, if necessary.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until well combined.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Step 5

Dip each smelt fish into the egg mixture, coating it thoroughly, then dredge it in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the fish.

Step 6

Carefully place the coated smelts into the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 7

Fry the smelts for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.

Step 8

Remove the fried smelts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the smelts. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1400.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5389.3

Total Fat 449.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 268.8g
Cholesterol 695.0mg	0%
Sodium 2816.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 257.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.9g	0%
Total Sugars 5.1g
Protein 121.6g	0%

Vitamin D 1016.0IU	0%
Calcium 436.5mg	0%
Iron 18.4mg	0%
Potassium 2066.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.7%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 18.5%