Delight your taste buds with this irresistible High Protein Crispy Fried Small Fish recipe—perfect for snack lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. Featuring tender and flavorful smelt or whitebait coated in a golden, seasoned batter made with cornmeal, flour, and a hint of paprika, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory goodness. This quick and easy dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal appetizer or party snack. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, while a squeeze of lemon enhances the delicate flavors of the fish, balancing the crispy texture. Packed with protein and cooked to perfection, these fried small fish are best served hot and fresh for ultimate indulgence. Perfect for showcasing at casual gatherings or as a standalone treat, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Rinse and pat dry the small fish with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, and baking powder.
In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk until combined.
Pour the milk and egg mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until a batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 175°C (347°F).
Dip each small fish into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry the fish in batches until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried fish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fried fish for garnish.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.
Calories |
9529 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 945.7 g | 1212% | |
| Saturated Fat | 136.9 g | 685% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 637 mg | 212% | |
| Sodium | 3088 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.8 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 120.9 g | 242% | |
| Vitamin D | 31.4 mcg | 157% | |
| Calcium | 1334 mg | 103% | |
| Iron | 19.2 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 2371 mg | 50% | |
*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.