Fried Smelts

August 24, 2025

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A plate of fried smelts is a staple at many Italian-American Christmas Eve dinners

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The silvery fish are found in cool waters and boast high amounts of protein, calcium and minerals. Local asian markets like 99 Ranch Market in Clairemont Mesa carry frozen one-pound bags of smelt during the holidays, or you can substitute fresh mackerel, anchovies or sardines for a slightly stronger taste. This dish is easy to make, inexpensive and highly addictive.

Ingredients

Serves 6–8

1 pound of smelts (try to find them around 4 ½ inches so they don’t need to be deboned)
1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
Salt & pepper
Coarse sea salt
Canola oil
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Pat fish dry with paper towel. Remove bones if necessary. Season flour with salt and pepper, add flour to 1 gallon storage bag.
Add fish to the bag and shake to coat the fish in flour. In a large pan, add canola oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1 inch deep. Heat oil, then place the fish in the pan. Brown 1 side (about 2 minutes) and flip to brown the other side. Cook them in a single layer and cook in batches until all fish are fried.
Remove excess oil with a paper towel and place the fish on a platter.
Generously sprinkle with coarse sea salt and serve warm with lemon wedges.