Deep Fried Smelts

Ingredients

•     2 pounds smelts, approximately 12 (6 to 8-inch long) gutted with fins removed
•     1 cup dried bread crumbs, finely ground
•     1 cup flour
•     1 teaspoon kosher salt
•     1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•     1 egg
•     1 cup milk
•     1 cup water
•     sprigs of parsley
•     2 lemons
•     Peanut or canola oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a deep fryer or deep skillet, heat oil to 375 °F (190 °C).

Step 2: Rinse smelts thoroughly and pat dry.

Step 3: Place the bread crumbs and flour into a large bowl. Whisk egg, water, and milk into a bowl.  Dip the smelts into the bread crumb/flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture until the fish are well coated. Shake off excess.

Step 4: Drop smelts into deep fryer or skillet with heated oil and cook until golden. Let stand to drain on paper towel and season with salt.

Step 5: Place smelts in a serving dish, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.