Crispy Fried Smelt with Garlic and Chili
Tiny smelt are dredged in flour, fried until golden and crisp, then tossed with garlic, chili, and green onions for a quick, flavorful snack or weeknight dinner.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 280
- Protein
- 22g
Ingredients
- 1 pound smelt, cleaned
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
Instructions
- 1
Pat the 1 lb smelt dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 tsp salt. Dredge the fish in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- 2
Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Fry the fish in a single layer, working in batches if needed, until golden and crisp, 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- 3
Pour off all but 1 tbsp oil from the skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp chili flakes; cook over medium until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Return the fried fish to the skillet, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and toss gently to coat. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if you have them.
Tools you’ll need
- large skillet
- shallow dish
- paper towels
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