Description
Make perfectly crispy Fried Smelt Fish at home with this simple, nostalgic recipe that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 pounds smelt, cleaned, dressed and rinsed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rice flour or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling out of the fry
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the smelt and pat them completely dry.
- Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to about 350°F.
- In a freezer bag or large bowl, combine the flour, rice flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
- Add the smelt to the flour mixture and toss until each piece is well coated.
- Shake off any excess flour and carefully place the smelt into the hot oil, working in batches.
- Fry for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined tray and immediately season with a pinch of salt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Adding rice flour or cornstarch will provide extra crunch.
- Removing excess flour before frying helps prevent the oil from getting cloudy.
- Frying in batches prevents overcrowding and keeps the coating crisp.
- A cast-iron skillet creates excellent heat retention and browning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Fish and Seafood