These little fish run in the Great Lakes area early in the spring. Hand nets are used for dipping them. (Catching them)
They are small and very tasty making them a nice spring treat.
This recipe is just basically Flour, egg, and milk with salt and pepper used for seasoning.
If you have smelt available give this Crispy Pan Fried Smelt Recipe a try; they’re crispy and delicious.
Crispy Pan Fried Smelt Recipe
Recipe Type: Main
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Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 3-4
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Crispy Pan Fried Smelt Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 – 2 pounds smelt (cleaned and rinsed)
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together the egg and milk. Place 1 cup of flour in a shallow dish; salt and pepper to taste. Place the other cup of flour in another shallow dish.
- Lightly coat each fish one at a time in the plain flour, dip in the egg mixture and then roll in the seasoned flour. (lightly coat a platter with flour to place the fish on before you cook them, to keep them from sticking on the plate)
- Place about a ¼ inch of oil in a cast iron fry pan over medium-high heat and cook smelt until browned on both sides and crispy. (cook in batches) Place smelt on paper toweling to drain. (if oil starts to get too brown from the flour start a new batch with fresh oil)