If you are a fan of snacks or appetizers and are looking for the best small fish to fry, you’re in the right place! There are several options ideal for this preparation, but many people are unsure about which fish to choose, especially those who don’t have much experience with this type of cooking. To help you, we have selected small fish perfect for frying, with tips to get the choice and preparation right.
Let’s explore the most popular options and give you a delicious recipe suggestion to try at home. So keep reading and discover everything you need to make the perfect fried fish!
Small Fish to Fry: What Are the Best Options?
Choosing the ideal fish to fry depends a lot on your personal taste, local availability, and how you prefer to prepare your dish. Below, we list some of the most popular fish for frying, all with characteristics that make them excellent choices:
1. Manjuba
Manjuba (or manjubinha) is one of the most traditional options for frying. With a mild and delicate flavor, it is perfect to be fried whole, making an irresistible snack. Moreover, it is easy to find and quite affordable in several regions of Brazil.
2. Sardine
Another small and tasty fish, sardine is a classic choice for those who love a good fried fish. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, sardine combines flavor and nutritional benefits, being an excellent option for a healthy meal.
3. Anchovy
Anchovies are also ideal for frying, with a strong flavor that pleases many. They can be used in various ways, from snacks to main dishes, making them a versatile alternative for those seeking bolder flavors.
4. Lambari
Lambari is a small fish with delicate meat, quite popular for frying, especially in inland regions of Brazil. Its mild flavor is a great choice for those who like fried fish but with a lighter touch.
5. Pacu-Manteiga
This freshwater fish, with juicy and tender meat, is an excellent choice for frying. Although less common in some regions, pacu-manteiga is highly appreciated in various parts of Brazil and offers great cost-benefit.
Recipe Tip: Fried Manjubinha with Garlic and Herb Sauce
Now that you know some of the best small fish options for frying, how about learning to prepare a delicious recipe? We will use manjuba, but you can adapt it to your preferred fish.
Ingredients for the Manjubinha:
- 500g of manjubinhas (cleaned and dried)
- 1 cup of wheat flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Ingredients for the Garlic and Herb Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of chopped green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation method:
- Preparing the fish: Start by thoroughly cleaning the manjubinhas, removing scales, entrails, and gills. Season them with salt and pepper to taste and then coat them with wheat flour, ensuring they are well covered.
- Garlic and Herb Sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, chopped garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and green onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Frying the manjubinhas: Heat the oil in a pan or skillet until it reaches about 180°C. Fry the manjubinhas in batches until they are golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
- Serving: Serve the manjubinhas with the garlic and herb sauce on the side. For an extra touch, add a slice of lemon to squeeze over the fried fish. Enjoy!
Extra Tip: If you are looking for a healthier option, how about preparing the manjubinhas in the air fryer? This will greatly reduce the amount of fat while maintaining the delicious flavor and crispiness of the dish.
Conclusion: Try the Best Small Fish for Frying!
With so many delicious options of small fish to fry, it’s easy to prepare a tasty snack for any occasion. Manjuba is just one suggestion, and you can choose the fish that best suits your palate. The important thing is to use fresh fish and ensure the frying is done correctly for a perfect result.
Try a fried manjubinha recipe with garlic and herb sauce and share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to leave your comments below and tell us how your dish turned out. Oh, and if you liked the tips, share this article with others who also love a good fry!
