04 September 2026
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Crispy Fried Smelt Fish
The Kitchen

Crispy Fried Smelt Fish

They cook in minutes using simple pantry components yet turn out so crunchy and tasty.

By Test Kitchen · Philippines · 2 min ·
Ingredients · Servings 4
  • 2 pounds small smelt fish
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • canola oil
Method · 20 min
  1. With your hands, gently pry open the head of the fish and carefully pull the gills along with the entrails. Rinse under cold running water and drain well.
  2. In a wide pan over medium heat, heat about 2-inch deep of oil.
  3. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
  4. Dredge smelt fish in flour mixture to completely coat, shaking off excess flour
  5. Add fish to hot oil and deep-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.
  6. Remove from heat and drain in a colander set over a bowl. Serve hot.

Elements 2 pounds small smelt fish 3/4 cup flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper canola oil Method With your hands, gently pry open the head of the fish and carefully pull the gills along with the entrails. Rinse under cold running water and drain well.

In a wide pan over medium heat, heat about 2-inch deep of oil. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

Dredge smelt fish in flour mixture to completely coat, shaking off excess flour Add fish to hot oil and deep-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from heat and drain in a colander set over a bowl.

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