20 Portuguese Fried Smelt Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

Published on: Mar 9, 2024

Portuguese cuisine is a rich blend of flavors and influences from various cultures, making it truly unique and delicious. One of the most popular dishes in Portuguese cuisine is fried smelt. This simple and easy-to-make dish is a staple in many Portuguese households and is loved by both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will dive into the history of Portuguese fried smelt and share a mouth-watering recipe for you to try at home.

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Portuguese Fried Bread

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, White Sugar

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Start off your beer can chicken journey with a delicious side dish - Portuguese Fried Bread. This easy recipe combines flour, water, yeast, and olive oil to create a crispy and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with any meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover beer from your chicken recipe.

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Portuguese Fish Stew

Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Savoy Cabbage, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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If you're feeling adventurous, try our next recipe - Portuguese Fish Stew. This hearty and spicy dish is packed with flavor from ingredients such as white wine, tomatoes, and garlic. And the best part? It only takes 30 minutes to make, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

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Pan Fried Smelt

Main Ingredients: Smelt, All Purpose Flour, Cornmeal, Salt, Freshly

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Switch up your usual fried chicken with this delicious and crispy Pan Fried Smelt recipe. These small, mild-flavored fish are coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and cajun seasoning before being fried to perfection. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a complete meal.

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Fried Smelt

Main Ingredients: Smelt, Flour, Bread Crumbs, Celery Salt, Lemon Pepper

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If you can't get enough of fried smelt, try this recipe for Fried Smelt. These bite-sized fish are coated in a crunchy batter made from beer, flour, and breadcrumbs, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. Serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish for your beer can chicken.

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Beef and Pepper Tortilla's

Main Ingredients: Haas Avocado, Fresh Lemon Juice, Roma Tomato, Garlic

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Looking for a twist on traditional tacos? Try these Beef and Pepper Tortillas. The combination of beef, bell peppers, and onions creates a flavorful and colorful filling for these tortillas. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a fun and tasty meal.

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CRISP PAN FRIED SMELT (low fat, high protein)

Main Ingredients: Smelt, Red Chili Powder, Cumin Powder, Pepper, Salt

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If you're watching your fat intake but still want to enjoy some fried smelt, try this low-fat recipe for Crisp Pan Fried Smelt. These fish are coated in a mixture of egg whites, cornmeal, and seasonings before being pan-fried to perfection. Serve them with a side of lemon for a pop of freshness.

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Beer Battered Smelts

Main Ingredients: Flour, Seasoned Salt, Ground Pepper, Cayenne Pepper

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What's better than fried smelt? Beer Battered Smelts! This recipe takes your traditional fried smelt to the next level by using beer in the batter. The result is a light and crispy coating that pairs perfectly with the tender smelt. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious meal.

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Baked Smelt

Main Ingredients: Smelt, Chili Powder, Salt, Cumin Powder, Ginger Garlic

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If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried smelt, try this Baked Smelt recipe. These fish are coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings before being baked to perfection. The result is a crunchy and flavorful dish that pairs well with a salad or as a side dish for your beer can chicken.

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Greek Fried Smelt With Tartar Sauce

Main Ingredients: Smelt, Sunflower Oil, Tartar Sauce, All Purpose Flour

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Take your fried smelt to the Mediterranean with this recipe for Greek Fried Smelt with Tartar Sauce. The combination of lemon, garlic, and oregano gives these fish a zesty and herby flavor, while the homemade tartar sauce adds a creamy and tangy element. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a complete meal.

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French toast (Portuguese style)

Main Ingredients: Bread, Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Cinnamon, Vegetable Oil

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Who says you can't have beer for breakfast? Try this Portuguese-style French Toast recipe that incorporates beer into the batter for a unique and delicious twist. The result is a fluffy and sweet French toast that pairs well with a side of fruit or bacon.

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Filhos – Malasadas – Portuguese Fried Dough

Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Butter, Lemon Zest, Milk

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If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love this recipe for Filhos - Malasadas - Portuguese Fried Dough. These golden brown and fluffy doughnuts are a popular dessert in Portugal and are often filled with custard or fruit preserves. Serve them as a dessert after your beer can chicken for a satisfying end to your meal.

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Fried pork with Portuguese cornbread

Main Ingredients: Pork, Cornbread, Small Onion, Garlic, Red Pepper Sauce

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Looking for a hearty and filling side dish for your beer can chicken? Try this Fried Pork with Portuguese Cornbread recipe. The combination of pork, cornbread, and seasonings creates a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover pork from your beer can chicken recipe.

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Portuguese Doughnuts (Felozes)

Main Ingredients: Water, Butter, Granulated White Sugar, All Purpose

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Add some sweetness to your beer can chicken dinner with these Portuguese Doughnuts (Felozes). These cinnamon and sugar-coated doughnuts are a popular treat in Portugal and are often served during special occasions. Try them as a dessert after your meal or as a snack throughout the day.

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Caçoila | Portuguese Stewed Beef

Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Red Peppers, Onion, Parsley, Garlic, Bay

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If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful main dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try this Caçoila - Portuguese Stewed Beef. This dish is made with beef, wine, and spices and is cooked low and slow for a tender and savory result. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

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Portuguese Style Broccoli Rice

Main Ingredients: Water, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Long Grain Rice

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Looking for a healthier side dish to serve with your beer can chicken? Try this Portuguese Style Broccoli Rice recipe. The combination of rice, broccoli, and garlic creates a colorful and nutritious dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

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Portuguese Orange Cake

Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All

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End your beer can chicken dinner on a sweet note with this Portuguese Orange Cake recipe. This moist and flavorful cake is made with orange juice and zest for a burst of citrus flavor. Serve it with a cup of coffee for a delicious and authentic Portuguese experience.

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Portuguese Chickpea Salad

Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Fresh

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Add some color and texture to your beer can chicken dinner with this Portuguese Chickpea Salad. This healthy and refreshing dish is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing. Serve it as a side dish or as a light lunch the next day.

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Portuguese milk doughnuts

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking

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Who says doughnuts are just for breakfast? These Portuguese milk doughnuts are a popular dessert in Portugal and are often found at festivals and celebrations. They are soft and fluffy and can be served plain or with a chocolate or vanilla glaze. Serve them as a dessert after your beer can chicken dinner for a sweet treat.

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Portuguese Kale Soup

Main Ingredients: Kale, Potatoes, Chorizo, Onions, Carrots, Chopped

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If you're looking for a hearty and nutritious soup to serve with your beer can chicken, try this Portuguese Kale Soup. The combination of sausage, potatoes, and kale creates a satisfying and flavorful soup that will warm you up on a chilly evening. Serve it as a main dish or as a side to your chicken.

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Portuguese Beans With Linguiça

Main Ingredients: Salt, Linguica, Pinto Beans, Onion, Green Bell Pepper

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End your beer can chicken journey with this flavorful and authentic dish - Portuguese Beans with Linguiça. This dish is made with linguiça (a type of pork sausage), red beans, and spices and is cooked low and slow for a rich and savory flavor. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a delicious and authentic Portuguese meal.

The History of Portuguese Fried Smelt

The Origins

Fried smelt, also known as "peixinhos da horta" in Portuguese, has been a part of Portuguese cuisine since the 16th century. It originated in Lisbon, where it was first introduced by the Franciscan monks as a way to use up leftover fish. The dish quickly became popular and spread throughout Portugal, becoming a staple in many households.

The Influence of Japanese Tempura

The technique of frying fish in a light batter was introduced to Portugal by the Japanese in the 16th century. This technique, known as tempura, was adapted by the Portuguese and used to fry smelt. However, the Portuguese added their own twist to the dish by using local ingredients and spices, making it a truly unique and flavorful dish.

The Recipe

Now that we know a bit about the history of Portuguese fried smelt, let's dive into the recipe. This dish requires minimal ingredients and is easy to make, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound of fresh smelt - 1 cup of all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon of baking powder - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1 teaspoon of black pepper - 1 cup of cold water - Oil for frying - Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Begin by rinsing the smelt and patting them dry with a paper towel. 2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. 3. Slowly add in the cold water and mix until a smooth batter forms. 4. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. 5. Dip the smelt into the batter, making sure they are evenly coated. 6. Carefully place the smelt into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. 7. Once cooked, remove the smelt from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. 8. Serve hot with lemon wedges and enjoy!

In Conclusion

Portuguese fried smelt is a dish that not only reflects the rich history and influences of Portuguese cuisine, but also satisfies the taste buds with its delicious flavors. So why not try this easy and tasty recipe at home and experience the taste of Portugal for yourself. Bom apetite!