Easy Italian-Style Fried Smelts at Home
This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through making crispy Italian-style smelts, a delicious fried fish dish perfect for casual dinners or festive occasions like Christmas Eve.
Ingredients
- Smelts: About 1 pound cleaned and rinsed. If your fishmonger hasn’t prepped them, you’ll need to remove the heads and guts (don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!).
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Breadcrumbs: For that extra crunch. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder cayenne pepper (for a hint of heat), salt, and pepper.
- Oil: Olive oil adds a rich flavor but vegetable oil works just as well for frying.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the dish.
- Optional dips: Tartar sauce or tomato paste for dipping.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Fish
- If your smelts aren’t already cleaned, use kitchen shears to remove the heads and guts. Rinse them under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures they’re ready to soak up all that delicious seasoning.
- Step 2: Create the Breading
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This combo is the secret to that irresistible crispy coating.
- Step 3: Coat the Smelts
- Dredge each smelt in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This ensures an even, crispy finish.
- Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- Heat your oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot (but not smoking), add the smelts in a single layer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—this keeps the oil temperature steady for the perfect fry.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the fried smelts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Smelts are small, tender fish with a mild flavor, perfect for frying.
- For a healthier option, try air-frying the smelts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or tomato paste for added zest.