Smelt fish is part of a family of small fish that are around seven inches in length. Similar to other varieties of fish, such as anchovies, smelt fish are nutrient-dense yet relatively mild tasting when compared to anchovies or sardines. You should be able to source the smelt fish from your preferred grocery store, or head to a local fish market.
Usually the smelt will be gutted, cleaned, and ready to cook from frozen. If, however, you source fresh smelt fish, make sure you add the cleaning step to the recipe above. The innards taste bitter and will bring an unwelcoming taste to your final dish. All you need to do is cut off the head using a pair of kitchen scissors, then slice down the belly to remove the guts. Ensure the insides are scrubbed until the black residue has all been removed.
Whether pre-cleaned or not, dry your smelt thoroughly with paper towels before dredging in the flour mixture for properly crispy fried smelt fish. Any excess moisture will prevent the fish from crisping up and will create slightly soggy battered fish.
Serving Suggestions
The classic serving pairing with fried smelt fish is a lemon wedge that can be freshly squeezed over the fish before eating. The citrus notes of the lemon cut through the fattiness of the batter and brighten the overall flavors of the dish. Tartar sauce is also commonly found served alongside fried fish, bringing a welcome sharpness and a classic sauce for fish dishes.
If you want to serve fried smelt fish as part of a main meal, try adding it to the top of a bed of lettuce with a lemon vinaigrette for a simple lunchtime salad. Or, for a heartier dish for dinnertime, plate over a helping of creamy polenta with lemon juice drizzled over the top.
Dried smelt fish is actually commonly found in Chinese seafood restaurants. There, it’s deep-fried before serving, similar to the recipe method shared above where we’ve outlined an easy way to learn how to deep fry smelt fish. As such, it also pairs exceptionally well with classic Chinese dishes such as steamed rice and vegetable stir-fries.
Take a look at our selection of the best sides to serve alongside fried fish, from sweet potato fries to coleslaw, for even more recipe inspiration.
How to Store and Reheat
You can store fried smelt fish in the fridge for up to two days. Let the fish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any residual moisture. To reheat the smelt fish, heat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the smelt to a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm through for eight minutes. It is possible to freeze fried smelt fish too, but you will lose some of the crispy texture, so avoid freezing it where possible.
