Fried Fresh Smelts
Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, Fried Fresh Smelts are a simple yet delightful dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. These small, delicate fish are coated in a seasoned blend of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and warm spices like paprika and garlic powder, then fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior and tender, flaky interior. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick recipe is ideal for an easy appetizer or a light meal served with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Whether you're looking to try something new or enjoy a coastal classic, these fried smelts deliver irresistible flavor and texture in every bite. Plus, they pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce or a crisp side salad, making them as versatile as they are delicious!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh smelts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 lemon wedges
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh smelts 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. Mix well to create a seasoned coating.
Step 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for frying.
Step 4
Dredge each smelt in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated, and shake off any excess coating.
Step 5
Carefully place the coated smelts into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried smelts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 7
Repeat the frying process with the remaining smelts.
Step 8
Serve the fried smelts hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1139.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4843.6 |
| Total Fat 434.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 62.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 268.8g | |
| Cholesterol 317.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2643.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 173.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.2g | |
| Protein 99.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 907.2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 302.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1691.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories