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Crispy Fried Whitebait

Crispy, golden deep-fried tiny fish tossed in seasoned flour and served hot with fresh lemon slices.

15 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

BritishAppetizerStovetopPescatarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb frozen whitebait, patted dry
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 4 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375 degrees F.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp sea salt.

  3. 3

    Toss 1 lb patted dry frozen whitebait in the flour mixture until evenly coated, then shake off any excess flour.

  4. 4

    Fry fish in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp and cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

  5. 5

    Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with extra sea salt, and serve immediately with 1 sliced lemon.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Crispy Fried Whitebait?

For Crispy Fried Whitebait, the frying oil is held at 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy. The target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How do I know when Crispy Fried Whitebait is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until evenly coated. Step 4: cook until crisp and cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. A reading of 145 F on a thermometer settles it.

What can I use instead of smoked paprika in Crispy Fried Whitebait?

The entry for Crispy Fried Whitebait calls for 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. In its place: Sweet paprika with a small pinch of cumin, or a few drops of liquid smoke. Chipotle powder works if you want heat as well.

How hot is Crispy Fried Whitebait?

Moderately. The heat in Crispy Fried Whitebait comes from 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Crispy Fried Whitebait gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Crispy Fried Whitebait is 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How do I store and reheat Crispy Fried Whitebait?

Refrigerate what is left of Crispy Fried Whitebait within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Serve it with

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