Crispy Pan Fried Smelts (Italian Christmas Eve Recipe)

Crispy Pan Fried Smelts are light, crispy and deliciously addictive. Think of them like little, fishy potato chips, because you definitely cannot just eat one!

Paired with lemon wedges and a briny, savory dipping sauce, this traditional Christmas Eve recipe is beloved by Italian Americans far and wide.

Ingredients:

Smelt Fish All-Purpose Flour Corn Starch Salt Garlic Powder Full Recipe

Clean the smelts if you did not purchase them already cleaned. Pat the fish dry with paper towels.

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[{"selector":"#anim-514e55b0-ffef-4cc1-936a-6999e45be1c7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Make the optional dipping sauce, if including. Chop the olives, cherry peppers and capers together, then add to the mayonnaise along with the other ingredients and mix until all ingredients are well-combined. Full Recipe

[{"selector":"#anim-eb6aacc4-3599-4ef7-9533-67b504037a67 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Next, make the seasoned flour. Combine the flour, corn starch and spices in a large bowl and mix until all ingredients are well-combined. Full Recipe

[{"selector":"#anim-f3258e27-66c7-4124-82f8-bdbcd9d045d4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-10.671874688647371%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Set up a station by arranging the following in a row: prepped, cleaned and patted-dry smelts next to a bowl of seasoned flour which should be next to the frying pan on the stovetop. Full Recipe

[{"selector":"#anim-5ec54292-04c2-4197-8c43-775dd455f13a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-42.01147460407314%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Add enough oil to a large nonstick pan, stainless-steel skillet or cast iron pan to cover the bottom of the pan by at least ¼”. Heat the oil over medium heat until bubbles form around a wooden spoon inserted in the oil. Full Recipe

Swipe up for full recipe!

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