Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish)

Source : Soak The Fish In Ice Water For 20 Minutes Or So This Will Keep It From Getting Overcooked And Tough Then Drain Thoroughly At This Point You Ll Want T...

PreTime
more Minutes
CookTime
a few Minutes
Yield
Some Servings

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at : October 31, 2025

Step:

  1. Soak the fish in ice water for 20 minutes or so. This will keep it from getting overcooked and tough. Then drain thoroughly.

    At this point, you'll want to heat start pre-heating your oil in a deep saute pan or pot (or in my case, a wok) over medium-high-ish heat to somewhere between 350 to 375F.

    Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 1 photo Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 1 photo
  2. Season the fish with salt and give it a few gentle tosses.

    Prep a wide bowl or plate with paper towels/paper bags/ or newsprint to soak up the oil and set it near the frying station.

    Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 2 photo Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 2 photo
  3. While the fish absorbs the seasoning, mix flour and starch in a tray or dish with sides. By this time, your oil should be ready.

    If you don't have a thermometer, you can check the readiness by putting a pinch of the flour mixture into the oil and if it starts gently sizzling right away, it's ready.

    Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 3 photo Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 3 photo
  4. Toss a third of the fish in the flour and starch mixture, shake off most of the excess, and gently lower into the oil. (Do not drop from a distance or hot oil will splatter on you.)

    Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 4 photo Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 4 photo Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 4 photo
  5. Fry for 3.5 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown, giving it a stir or two halfway just to make sure everything gets evenly cooked.

    Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 5 photo Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 5 photo
  6. Fish* (pun intended :P) the fish out, let it drain for a few second on the side of your cooking vessel, then set it aside in your dish.

    Repeat Steps 4 and 5 two more times with the other two thirds of the fish.

    Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 6 photo Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 6 photo
  7. Serve with fresh lemon to squeeze over the fish right before eating. Enjoy! :)

    Pescaítos Fritos (Andalusian Style Deep Fried Baby Fish) recipe step 7 photo

Ingredients

  1. 1/2 pound baby fish (I used smelt. You could also use baby anchovy or similar baby fish.)
  2. 3/4-1 teaspoon kosher salt
  3. 1/3 cup flour
  4. 1/3 cup corn or potato starch
  5. 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
  6. 1 fresh lemon or lime
  7. You'll also need a frying basket or straining type of gadget

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