Dive into the irresistible crunch of **Crispy Fried Small Fish**, a quick and easy recipe that's packed with bold flavors and perfect for seafood lovers. Featuring delicate small fish like smelt or sardines, this dish is seasoned with aromatic spices like garlic powder, paprika, and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a zesty kick. Coated in a perfectly balanced blend of all-purpose flour and cornmeal, the fish are fried to golden perfection, delivering a tantalizingly crisp texture in every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is an ideal appetizer or light meal, beautifully garnished with fresh parsley and served alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness. Whether you're hosting a seafood feast or craving a quick and satisfying bite, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Rinse the small fish under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the fish and toss to coat. This will help impart a fresh flavor.
Dredge each fish in the flour and cornmeal mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating.
In a large, deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F).
Carefully place the fish in the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Remove the fried fish using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining fish, allowing the oil to reheat to the correct temperature between batches.
Arrange the fried fish on a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Calories |
5417 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 502.6 g | 644% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.3 g | 382% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 284.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 710 mg | 237% | |
| Sodium | 4444 mg | 193% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 126.7 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 138.4 g | 277% | |
| Vitamin D | 60.0 mcg | 300% | |
| Calcium | 1979 mg | 152% | |
| Iron | 22.1 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 2396 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.