15 Chinese Fried Smelt Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Fried smelt is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its crispy and savory flavors. This dish is made with small, whole smelt fish that are coated in a flavorful batter and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a delicious and addictive snack or appetizer that is enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we will share with you a professional and well-organized introduction to making Chinese fried smelt at home. From the ingredients to the cooking process, we've got you covered. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering dish!
Main Ingredients: Smelt, All Purpose Flour, Cornmeal, Salt, Freshly
Pan fried smelt is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fish. Simply coat the smelt in flour or cornmeal, season with your favorite herbs and spices, and cook in a hot skillet with a little oil. The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack. Try serving with a side of homemade tartar sauce for a classic and delicious pairing.
2of 20
Fried Smelt
Main Ingredients: Smelt, Flour, Bread Crumbs, Celery Salt, Lemon Pepper
If you want to switch up your frying game, try making fried smelt. These tiny fish are perfect for frying whole, and they make for a tasty and unique appetizer or snack. The key to getting the perfect fried smelt is to make sure the oil is hot enough and to not overcrowd the pan. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt for a burst of flavor.
3of 20
Beef and Pepper Tortilla's
Main Ingredients: Haas Avocado, Fresh Lemon Juice, Roma Tomato, Garlic
If you're looking for a heartier dish, try these beef and pepper tortillas. The smelt adds a delicious and unexpected twist to this classic Mexican dish. Simply sauté the smelt with bell peppers, onions, and spices, and wrap in a warm tortilla with your choice of toppings. These tortillas are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
4of 20
CRISP PAN FRIED SMELT (low fat, high protein)
Main Ingredients: Smelt, Red Chili Powder, Cumin Powder, Pepper, Salt
If you're watching your fat intake but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of fried smelt, try this low-fat version. Instead of frying the smelt in oil, coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and coconut oil, and bake in the oven until crispy. This method still gives you the crunch you crave, but with less guilt. Serve with a side of low-fat ranch dressing for dipping.
5of 20
Beer Battered Smelts
Main Ingredients: Flour, Seasoned Salt, Ground Pepper, Cayenne Pepper
For a truly indulgent treat, try making beer battered smelts. The light and crispy batter pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the smelt. To make the batter, simply mix together flour, beer, and seasonings, and dip the smelts before frying. These are perfect for a game day appetizer or a fun dinner party dish.
6of 20
Baked Smelt
Main Ingredients: Smelt, Chili Powder, Salt, Cumin Powder, Ginger Garlic
If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy smelt, try baking them. This method brings out the natural flavors of the fish without adding any extra fat. Simply season the smelt with your favorite herbs and spices, and bake in the oven until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.
7of 20
Crispy Fried Smelt Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish, Flour, Cornstarch, Salt, Garlic, Pepper, Oil
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves their fried food extra crispy. The key to getting the perfect crunch on your smelt is to double dip them in the batter before frying. This creates a thick and crispy coating that will satisfy all your crunchy cravings. Serve with a side of spicy aioli for a kick of heat.
8of 20
Greek Fried Smelt With Tartar Sauce
Main Ingredients: Smelt, Sunflower Oil, Tartar Sauce, All Purpose Flour
If you want to add some Mediterranean flavors to your fried smelt, try this Greek-inspired recipe. The smelt is coated in a mixture of flour, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest, and fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and tangy dip.
9of 20
Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Green Tomatoes, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Eggs, Panko
For a unique twist on fried smelt, try using green tomatoes as the base. The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the smelt, creating a delicious and unexpected combination. Simply bread and fry the green tomatoes and smelt together for a dish that is sure to impress.
10of 20
Fried Chicken | Easy, Spicy, Hot & Crispy Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Chicken Thigh, Crushed
If you love fried chicken, you'll love this recipe for crispy fried smelt. The smelt is coated in a spicy and flavorful batter, then fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic and comforting meal.
11of 20
Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu
Main Ingredients: Extra Firm Tofu, Cornstarch, Onion Powder, Garlic
For a vegetarian option, try using tofu instead of smelt for a crispy and delicious dish. The key to getting the perfect texture is to press the tofu before frying to remove any excess moisture. Coat in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices, and fry until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of homemade honey mustard for dipping.
12of 20
Old Fashioned Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Salt, Sugar, Chicken Wings, All Purpose
If you're a fan of chicken wings, you'll love this recipe for crispy fried smelt. The smelt is coated in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices, and fried until crunchy and delicious. Serve with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping and some celery sticks for a touch of freshness.
13of 20
Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Fingers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Canola Oil, Egg
This recipe is perfect for kids or anyone who loves finger foods. The smelt is cut into strips, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of honey mustard or ketchup for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time.
14of 20
Crispy Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, White Pepper, Parmesan
For a healthier option, try using air frying instead of traditional frying. The Brussels sprouts are coated in a mixture of flour, parmesan cheese, and spices, and air fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of creamy ranch dressing for a tasty and nutritious snack.
15of 20
Crispy Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Buttermilk, Pepper Sauce, Salt, All Purpose
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves their fried chicken extra crispy. The chicken is coated in a mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, and spices, and fried until golden and crunchy. Serve with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for a classic and delicious meal.
16of 20
Popeyes Extra-Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Water, Red Pepper Sauce, Flour, Pepper, Paprika
If you're a fan of Popeyes chicken, you'll love this homemade version of their famous extra-crispy spicy fried chicken. The smelt is coated in a secret blend of flour, spices, and buttermilk, and fried until perfectly crispy. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy for a satisfying and comforting meal.
17of 20
Crispy Air Fried Tofu
Main Ingredients: Extra Firm Tofu, Soy Sauce, Toasted Sesame Oil, Olive
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based options to their meal rotation. The tofu is coated in a mixture of cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, and spices, and air fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.
18of 20
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper
If you prefer chicken tenders over whole pieces of chicken, try this recipe for crispy fried smelt tenders. The tenders are coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices, and fried until crispy and delicious. Serve with a side of honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves classic Southern comfort food. The smelt is coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices, and fried until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of collard greens and macaroni and cheese for a true taste of the South.
20of 20
Crispy Fried Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Potatoes, Water, Salt, Vegetable Oil
For a unique twist on fried smelt, try using potatoes instead. The potatoes are sliced thin and coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices, and fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of sour cream and chives for a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish.
Ingredients You Will Need
Fish
The star of this dish is, of course, the smelt fish. You can find these small fish at your local Asian market or sometimes in the frozen seafood section of your grocery store. Make sure to clean and gut the fish before using it in the recipe.
Batter
To create the perfect crispy coating for the smelt fish, you will need a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. These ingredients will give the batter a light and airy texture.
Seasonings
To add flavor to the batter, you will need featured keywords such as soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and five-spice powder. These ingredients will give the fried smelt a delicious umami flavor with a hint of spice.
Oil
For frying, you will need a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
The Cooking Process
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by cleaning and gutting the smelt fish. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and five-spice powder. Gradually add water to the mixture until you have a smooth batter that is not too thick or too runny.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or a deep pot, heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Coat the Fish
Dip each fish in the batter, making sure it is fully coated.
Step 5: Fry the Smelt
Gently place the coated fish in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve the fried smelt hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Now that you have the basic recipe for Chinese fried smelt, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique version. Serve it as an appetizer or snack, and watch your guests gobble it up in no time. Enjoy!
![[i ate] fried smelts : r/food](https://i.redd.it/7hdgo9l8hha01.jpg)
