Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy and tender with this tempura-battered smelt recipe. The light and airy batter perfectly complements the delicate flavor of the smelt, making it a delightful seafood dish that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh smelt, cleaned
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix - the batter should be lumpy.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
- Dip the cleaned smelt into the batter, coating evenly.
- Carefully lower the battered smelt into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the fried smelt from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and enjoy!
