Crispy Fried Small Fish
Dive into a flavor-packed culinary experience with this Crispy Fried Small Fish recipe, a delightfully easy dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Featuring tender, bite-sized fish like smelt or sardines, coated in a crunchy blend of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and bold seasonings like garlic powder and paprika, every bite delivers a satisfying crispiness with a hint of spice. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while a quick fry in sizzling hot oil transforms the fish into golden perfection in mere minutes. Perfect as an appetizer or light main course, this dish is best served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re hosting a coastal-inspired dinner or just craving a crispy seafood treat, this recipe is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 500 grams small fish (such as smelt or sardines)
- 100 grams all-purpose flour
- 50 grams cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 piece lemon, juiced
- 500 milliliters vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 pieces lemon wedges
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the small fish under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the fish and toss to coat. This will help impart a fresh flavor.
Step 4
Dredge each fish in the flour and cornmeal mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating.
Step 5
In a large, deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F).
Step 6
Carefully place the fish in the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Step 7
Remove the fried fish using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8
Repeat the frying process with the remaining fish, allowing the oil to reheat to the correct temperature between batches.
Step 9
Arrange the fried fish on a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1223.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5417.0 |
| Total Fat 502.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 76.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 284.0g | |
| Cholesterol 710mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4444.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 126.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.1g | |
| Protein 138.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 2400IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1978.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 22.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2396.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories