Easy Crispy Fried Smelt Fish Recipe (2024)

Crispy and flavorful, fried smelt fish is better than chips with dip any day! Coated in a mouthwatering herb mixture, these tiny crispy bites are actually irresistible. Find out more about smelt fish and how to fry up the tastiest recipe ever.

What are Smelts?

They are a family of small fish belonging to the Osmeridae family. These small fish have an elongated shape. They are silvery fish that can be found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. You can also find some in some rivers or lakes in Europe, North America and Asia.

Health Benefits

This low-calorie fish is also low in fat and mercury but is high in vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Avoid rainbow smelt in raw form as it is highly likely to carry parasites.

What Does Smelt Fish Taste Like?

With a mild taste and oily texture, this fish smells similar to freshly cut cucumber. It isn’t extremely salty, and it can be eaten whole – including head and bones!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Smelt: You can find this fish at your local grocery store. Asian supermarkets also carry it. Ensure fish are properly cleaned before frying.
• All-purpose flour: Flour mixed with cornstarch and herbs adheres very well to the fish and gives it a savory, crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient is what gives the fish that extra crispy coating.
• Vegetable oil: This is a great pick for this fish because it has a high smoke point.
• Seasoning: We recommend a mix of garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. But feel free to add whatever spices and herbs you like best.

(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)

How to Fry Smelt Fish

Step 1: Prepare the smelt fish

• Make sure your smelt fish is cleaned and gutted before cooking.
• Pat the fish dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the coating

• Mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a resealable Ziploc bag.
• Toss the prepared fish in the seasoning bag until fully coated.

Step 3: Fry the smelt fish

• Remove the smelt fish from the bag and place them in a colander to remove the excess flour.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• When oil reaches 350 F, add the fish to the pan. Do not overfill the pan. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked fish to a wire rack and let them cool. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Fried Smelt Fish

• If the fish has not been cleaned and gutted at the store, be sure to do so before cooking.
• Pat the fish dry and season generously.
• Use vegetable oil for the best results. Make sure the oil is hot before tossing the smelts on the pan.

How Long Does It Take to Fry Smelt Fish?

The oil temperature should remain at 350F to cook properly. Do not overfill the pan or the heat will drop. With high heat, the fish should cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Make the Smelt Fish Crispy

• Cornstarch is the secret to a crispy coating so add some to your flour mixture.
• Place the fried smelts on a WIRE RACK to maintain crispiness! After frying the smelts until golden brown, you’re not done yet! Make sure to transport it to a wire rack to cool and to remove excess oil. Place fried smelts on a wire rack to cool. This will allow excess oil to drip off without softening the crispy coating.

How to Serve Fried Smelt Fish

Perfect as an appetizer or as a main meal, the smelt pairs well with fried rice or pasta.

FAQ About Smelt Fish

Are Sardines And Smelts The Same?

Sardines are higher in certain nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, selenium, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B3. But smelt is higher in manganese.

What Kind Of Fish Is Smelt?

Rainbow smelt is small and thin. It is part of the osmeridae family. It also has a dorsal fin like trout.