A standard menu item in the ouzo bars of Athens, these tiny, deep-fried fish—about 3" long and eaten whole, heads and all—cook up as crisp as french fries.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. whitebait
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- Lemon wedges
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Instructions
Step 1
Wash and drain fish (since they're so small, it is not necessary to clean or bone them). On a large plate, combine flour with salt and several grinds of pepper. Dredge fish through the flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2
In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil over high heat until very hot but not smoking. (Test the oil by dropping in a fish; it should sizzle vigorously and, after sinking to the bottom, quickly rise to the top.) Gently place half the fish in the oil and fry until crisp and golden, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining fish.
Step 3
Mound hot fried fish on a plate and sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges.
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