Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Paleo Crispy Fried Small Fish, a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic seafood treat. Perfect for paleo enthusiasts, this recipe replaces traditional breading with a gluten-free blend of almond meal and tapioca flour, seasoned with a tantalizing mix of garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Fried to golden perfection in nutrient-rich coconut oil, these small fish, such as sardines, come out irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside. Quick to prepare in under 35 minutes, this dish is ideal as an appetizer or light dinner, served with refreshing lemon wedges for a burst of citrus. Whether you're embracing clean eating or simply seeking a high-protein snack, this recipe's crisp texture, bold flavors, and paleo-friendly ingredients are guaranteed to wow your taste buds!
Rinse the small fish under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a shallow dish, combine almond meal, tapioca flour, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying by testing a small piece of coating; it should sizzle immediately.
Dredge each small fish individually into the dry almond meal mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
Carefully place the coated fish into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fish in batches if necessary.
Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the crispy fried small fish hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.
Calories |
2728 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 206.9 g | 265% | |
| Saturated Fat | 94.0 g | 470% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 710 mg | 237% | |
| Sodium | 4854 mg | 211% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.6 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 144.6 g | 289% | |
| Vitamin D | 24.1 mcg | 121% | |
| Calcium | 2198 mg | 169% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 2762 mg | 59% | |
*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.