Fried Smelt

Photo: flickr user willsfca

Ingredients

4 whole smelt

2 cups flour

1 pinch dried thyme

1 pinch dried oregano

1 pinch pepper

1 pinch salt

1 egg, beaten

2 cups panko bread crumbs

1/4 cup peanut oil

Preparation

Rinse and pat dry smelt with paper towels. Season the flour with dried spices, salt and pepper. Coat each fish in the seasoned flour. Dip each fish into the beaten egg and then roll into panko bread crumbs.

Set aside.

Heat peanut oil in a medium saute pan with high sides over medium-high heat. Test to see if oil is hot with a pinch of panko. If the panko sizzles, the oil is ready. Add the battered smelt to the oil and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, flip and cook another 2 minutes.

Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with sea salt.