Crispy Lemon-Marinated Fried Whitebait
Golden, crispy fried whitebait marinated in fresh lemon juice and black pepper — a simple yet utterly addictive dish perfect as a starter or sharing plate. The light flour coating creates an irresistible crunch that pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Ready in under an hour, this budget-friendly recipe is pure comfort food.
🛒 Ingredients
5 servings
- 1 kg fresh whitebait or small whole fish, cleaned
- 1 cup (150 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large lemons, juiced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- Vegetable or sunflower oil for frying
- 1 extra lemon, cut into wedges for serving
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Directions
- 1
Rinse the fish gently under cold water and place them in a large bowl.
- 2
Pour the lemon juice over the fish, then add the black pepper and salt. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- 3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the fish to marinate.
- 4
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180 °C (350 °F).
- 5
Drain the marinated fish, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- 6
Fry in small batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- 7
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
💡 Chef's Tip
For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour. Always fry in small batches to keep the oil hot and ensure every fish cooks evenly and crispy.
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