Deep-fried smelts

Enjoy a simple and satisfying Japanese dish made with fresh smelts from Lobster Place in NYC. These smelts are gutted, coated in katakuriko and salt, deep fried until golden and crispy, and served with Japanese sea salt. Learn about the Japanese cooking techniques and the experience of preparing this delicious seafood dish.

Nobuko called me into the kitchen to gut these smelts -- why did I have to do the dirty work? Actually, I like gutting fish, and these were nice, fresh smelts. (Bought at Lobster Place in the Chelsea Market, my favorite fish shop in NYC.) Once she rinsed and dried the little fish, she placed them in a zip-lock bag filled with katakuriko (potato starch) and a few pinches of salt. She gently shook the bag to coat the fish, them deep fried them until they were golden and crispy and delicious. She served them with Japanese sea salt and advised us to eat the bones, head and all. A simple and incredibly satisfying dish.