Crispy Fried Smelt Fish
User Reviews
4.2
Crispy Fried Smelt Fish
Description
The recipe starts by cleaning the smelt fish thoroughly, removing heads, gills, and entrails, then rinsing and drying them to ensure the coating sticks properly. A seasoned dredge of flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper forms the crispy crust once fried.
Deep frying in enough hot canola oil (about 2 inches deep) at an optimal temperature between 350°F and 375°F cooks the fish quickly, creating a crunchy exterior. Careful heating and frying in batches prevent overcrowding, maintaining oil temperature and resulting in an even crispness. The fish should fry for about 3 to 5 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and edges become crunchy.
This dish works well served hot as a finger food or accompaniment with dipping sauces. Because the fish are small and bite-sized, they are easy to eat as snacks or part of a meal.
Draining excess oil on a colander over a bowl facilitates crispiness and less greasy texture. This frying method produces a light yet satisfyingly crunchy fish dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds smelt fish small
- ¾ cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- canola oil
Instructions
- With your hands, gently pry open the head of the fish and carefully pull the gills along with the entrails. Rinse under cold running water and drain well.
- In a wide pan over medium heat, heat about 2-inch deep of oil.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Dredge smelt fish in flour mixture to completely coat, shaking off excess flour
- Add fish to hot oil and deep-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Remove from heat and drain in a colander set over a bowl. Serve hot.
Notes
- Drain and pat the fish dry before coating to help the flour mixture adhere well.
- Use enough oil to completely submerge the fish for even frying and optimal crunch.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F by frying in batches and reheating oil as needed.
- Strain the oil between batches to keep it clean and prevent burning flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 544 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 544kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 583mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 551mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 341IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 640mg | 64% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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