CRISP PAN FRIED SMELT (low fat, high protein recipe)

Yum

Smelts are small fish variety found in the atlantic and pacific oceans, along the salty coastline of coolwaters. Like any other fish, it has all the health benefits. This is a simple and quick recipe with just four ingredients. I won't deep fry them, as this recipe doesn't call for lot of oil, as it is pan fried. Use a non stick skillet, which makes life a lot easier with shallow frying. The fish is crispy  and savory tastes absolutely great. Here i used store bought frozen pacific smelts. Ofcourse fresh is even better. Just place the frozen fish in cold water for half an hour inorder to thaw or just remove from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours,preferably overnight to thaw completely.

Smelt - 1 pound

red chili powder - 1 teaspoon

cumin powder - 1 teaspoon

pepper powder - 1/2 teaspoon

salt - half teaspoon
turmeric a pinch

oil - 1 tablespoon

PREP TIME : 10 MINS         COOK TIME : 10 MINS         SERVINGS : 2 TO 4

Wash and drain the smelt in a bowl, add all the listed spices with salt, combine well and let it marianate for atleast 10 mins before frying. Heat the skillet with a teaspoon of oil on medium, place the smelts, let it cook for 5 mins or until its brown outside, then flip and cook the other side with another teaspoon of oil for another 5 mins. As smelts are small fish, they cook faster. Remove from the pan, if needed sprinkle little salt on top. They are crispy and tastes great as an appetizer or side dish. 

TIPS:

• I recommend using coconut oil for frying, they give great flavor.
• Once smelt is completely cooked, remove them from the skillet, as hot skillet may overcook them, making it very dry.

As always Happy Cooking!
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