Grammie Bea's Fried Smelts
Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible, Grammie Bea's Fried Smelts are a nostalgic nod to a classic seafood delicacy. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, these petite fish are coated to perfection before being fried to a satisfying crunch. Whether you keep the heads on for tradition or remove them, the result is a plateful of bite-sized morsels that are bursting with flavor. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for seafood lovers craving a homemade treat. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a zesty finish that enhances every delicious bite. Add this simple yet flavorful dish to your family dinner lineup or serve it as a savory appetizer at your next gathering!
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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
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 2 cups Vegetable oil
- 1 whole (cut into pieces) Lemon wedges
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh smelts under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. You may leave the heads on or remove them, depending on your preference.
Step 2
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 3
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
Step 4
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 optimal frying.
Step 5
Working in small batches, dip each smelt into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the flour and cornmeal mixture. Shake off any excess coating.
Step 6
Carefully place the coated smelts into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
Step 7
Once fried, transfer the smelts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8
Repeat the process until all the smelts are fried.
Step 9
Serve the fried smelts immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1393.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5026.4 |
| Total Fat 444.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 66.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 268.8g | |
| Cholesterol 692.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2796.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 183.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.4g | |
| Protein 113.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 1002.2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 419.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1962.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories