Crispy Fried Smelt with Lemongarlic Aioli
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Crispy Fried Smelt
Fancy a bit of seaside nostalgia? Ever wondered how to make that classic seaside snack at home? Let's talk about fried smelt .
Honestly, what's not to love? These little fish are crispy, delicious, and super easy to make.
Smelt Recipe : A Taste of the Coast
Fried smelt has been a staple in coastal communities for ages. It is an easy fried fish recipe , a tasty and budget friendly treat.
This smelt fish recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a tasty appetizer.
This fried smelt recipe is seriously easy. Prep takes about 15 minutes. Cooking them will take only 10- 15 minutes.
A smelts recipe yielding about 4 servings as an appetizer, or 2 as a meal.
Why You'll Love This Fried Smelt Recipe
This fried smelt is packed with protein. It’s also a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Serve these crispy delights at your next gathering or enjoy them as a light lunch.
They’re always a hit. The crispy fried smelt will give you some serious foodie pleasure. Think Seaside Chip Shop Recipe but made in your own home.
The Lemon Garlic Aioli ... oh my gosh! Seriously, it takes this dish to another level. It’s creamy, tangy, and complements the fried smelt recipe perfectly.
Keep reading, because I'm gonna spill all the secrets. Let's get to the ingredients. We will show you how to fry smelt until they are golden brown.
And of course there will be Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe .
Alright then, let's talk ingredients and gear for making crispy fried smelt ! Honestly, this Smelt Recipe is dead simple.
You don't need a ton of fancy stuff. Remember, Easy Fried Fish Recipe are the best!.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, gather round, you lot! No need for faffing, this is straight forward!
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real
Here's the breakdown for the Fried Smelt Recipe :
Smelt: 1 lb (450g) of fresh or thawed frozen smelt, cleaned. Quality is important. They should smell fresh, not overly fishy. No one wants manky fish.
Flour Power: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dredging.
Seasoning: 1 tsp (5g) salt, ½ tsp (2.5g) black pepper, ½ tsp (2.5g) garlic powder, and ½ tsp (2.5g) paprika.
The paprika is optional, but it gives a nice colour!
Oil for Frying: About 3-4 cups (700ml-1 litre) vegetable oil. We need to get those Smelts Recipe nice and crispy.
Aioli Time: ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp (15ml) chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
For that bright Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe .
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs
The salt and pepper are essential. The garlic powder and paprika are for that extra oomph. A little magic. For a Seaside Chip Shop Recipe feel, consider some Old Bay seasoning!.
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. Don't be afraid to experiment!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You will need:
- A large bowl for mixing.
- A shallow dish for dredging.
- A heavy bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat your oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- A slotted spoon or spider for fishing out the fried smelt .
- Paper towels to drain the excess oil. Nobody likes greasy fish.
- A small bowl for your awesome Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe .
You can use a regular pot if you don't have a deep fryer. Just make sure it's deep enough. Honestly, that's all you need for this Smelt Fish Recipe .
How to Fry Smelt is pretty simple, right?
Crispy Fried Smelt with Lemon Garlic Aioli: Seaside Eats at Home!
Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! This Fried Smelt Recipe is ridiculously easy and tastes like you’re right at a Seaside Chip Shop .
Seriously, forget fancy restaurants. This Smelt Recipe will be your new favourite Easy Fried Fish Recipe .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key, darling! First, make sure your 1 lb (450g) smelt is cleaned and patted dry.
Nobody wants soggy Crispy Fried Smelt ! Next, measure out all your ingredients. Honestly, organisation saves time and stress. Quick tip! Make sure your smelt is bone dry before you dredge.
step-by-step: Let's Get Frying!
Right then, here's the magic:
- Mix 1 cup (120g) flour, 1 tsp (5g) salt, ½ tsp (2.5g) pepper, ½ tsp (2.5g) garlic powder, and ½ tsp (2.5g) paprika (optional) in a bowl.
- Dredge each smelt in the flour mix. Shake off the excess, like you mean it.
- Heat 3-4 cups (700ml-1litre) vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) in a heavy bottomed pot. Watch the heat!
- Carefully add the smelt in batches, don't overcrowd, yeah?
- Fry for 2- 3 minutes per side until golden. Visual cue? Think "perfectly bronzed beach bum".
- Drain on paper towels.
- Whisk together ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice, and 1 tbsp (15ml) parsley for the Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe . Season to taste.
- Serve those bad boys up hot with that delish aioli!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Fry Game
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying in batches keeps the oil temperature up.
- Avoid soggy Fried Fish Recipes by making sure the smelt is bone dry.
- make-ahead option? You can make the Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe a day in advance. Honestly, the flavours meld even better overnight.
So there you have it, your ticket to Crispy Fried Smelt heaven! This Smelt Fish Recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Enjoy! You know? You can find the Smelts Recipe on my blog with even more tips and tricks.
Alright, let's chat about what to do after you've made your Crispy Fried Smelt with Lemon Garlic Aioli . You know, the stuff that takes it from "good" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" Honestly, it's all about the little touches.
Recipe Notes
Serving Your Fried Smelt Like a Pro
So, you've got a plate of golden fried smelt . Don't just chuck them on a plate! A little presentation goes a long way.
Think about piling them high on a bed of shredded lettuce.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it pop. And obviously, the Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe is essential. I like to put it in a small bowl on the side.
You could serve with some lemon wedges too. Squeeze that juice all over!. As for sides, how about classic chips for that Seaside Chip Shop Recipe vibe? Or a light coleslaw? A cold beer always works a treat.
Trust me, it's a game changer. I personally love it with a nice pilsner.
Storing Leftover Smelt Fish
Right, so you've cooked up a storm. Now you have Fried Fish Recipes but what about leftovers? Hey, it happens!
Honestly, Crispy Fried Smelt is best enjoyed fresh. But if you must store them, here's the lowdown. Keep them in the fridge.
They’ll last for about 2 days . Make sure they are in an airtight container. Reheating can be tricky. The microwave will make them soggy.
Reheat them in a warm oven 200° F ( 93° C) for about 10 minutes . It helps crisp them up a bit.
I don’t recommend freezing Smelts Recipe , they are not the same.
Smelt Recipe : Easy Variations
Fancy mixing things up? I get you. Let's say you are avoiding gluten. Just swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend.
Still get that amazing crust, no worries! Want a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne to your flour mix.
Boom! Spicy How to Fry Smelt . Also, if it's summer and you want something lighter, use lime juice in your Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe instead of lemon.
Fried Smelt Recipe : Nutrition Quick Look
Okay, quick heads up on the healthy bits. Per serving, you are looking at roughly 450 calories. There's protein (about 25g), fat (30g), and some carbs (20g).
This Easy Fried Fish Recipe has some sodium. Remember, these are just estimates. But hey, smelt fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids!
You know what? Don't overthink it. Get in the kitchen. Have a crack at this Fried Smelt Recipe . And don't be afraid to tweak it to your taste. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is smelt, and can I use frozen?
Smelt are small, silvery fish, a bit like whitebait, often found in coastal waters. Absolutely, you can use frozen smelt! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry really well before you start. Think of it like prepping for a Mr. Bean skit the drier, the better!
How do I get my fried smelt super crispy? I hate soggy fish!
Crispy fried smelt is the holy grail, isn't it? First, ensure the fish are bone dry before dredging. Second, don't overcrowd the pan - give them space to get golden and crunchy, like avoiding a packed tube carriage at rush hour.
Finally, make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) so they fry up quickly and don't soak up too much oil.
Can I make the lemon garlic aioli ahead of time?
You bet! The lemon garlic aioli can absolutely be made ahead. In fact, it's often better that way, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just whip it up a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge, covered, like a well hidden stash of Quality Street at Christmas.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What other dipping sauces go well with fried smelt besides aioli?
While our lemon garlic aioli is top-notch, there are loads of other options. Tartar sauce is a classic, or you could try a spicy mayo for a kick. Even a simple squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt works wonders sometimes, less is more, like a good cup of tea! Experiment and find your favourite!
Is fried smelt healthy? I'm trying to be good, honest!
Fried anything is a bit of a treat, isn't it? Smelt themselves are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. To make it a bit healthier, you could try baking them instead of frying, or using a healthier oil like avocado oil.
Think of it as a balanced treat - a little bit of what you fancy does you good, as they say!
How long will leftover fried smelt last? And how do I reheat it?
Leftover fried smelt is best enjoyed immediately, but if you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheating can be tricky, as it can lose its crispness.
The best method is to reheat them in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for a few minutes, or in an air fryer if you have one. Microwaving will make them soggy, like a wet weekend in Blackpool!
Crispy Fried Smelt With Lemongarlic Aioli
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 0g |