Great Lakes Smelt: A Delicious Alternative to Sardines

When many foodies think of small, tasty fish to enjoy as a healthy snack or meal, the Pacific Sardine immediately comes to mind.  While sardines are lovely with a squeeze of lemon and Dijon mustard, smelt are also wonderful.

Image from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kuskokwim_Smelt.jpg

My grandfather would tell stories of netting these small fish as they traveled inland from Lake Michigan to breed.  Below, I've fried these lovely Lake Ontario smelt purchased at a Columbus, Ohio grocery store close to my home.

 After defrosting in water, I dusted these smelt with flour, dipped in egg, and re-coated with flour before frying in canola oil.  They were delicious with a homemade tartar sauce made by combining a couple of tablespoons of mayo with chopped pickles.

For more information on smelt, visit:
http://atlanticseafoodmarket.com/2013/03/smelt-fish-tastes-imply/