Whitebait

[Sue Balou]

I have some whitebait in the freezer, only problem is they're naked. Can anyone suggest a recipe for coating them in batter/breadcrumbs and making it stick and the best way to cook them.

Thanks, Sue

[waimarie]

The usual way of doing this is to wash off the whitebait and drain them well.

Place in some cold milk, shake off excess and put them in seasoned flour ( some people add Cayenne pepper, paprika etc. to the flour). Makes sure the fish are evenly coated with the flour and shake well in a sieve.

Gradually add to hot oil and deep fry. BE CAREFUL Make sure you have a 'spider' or something similar to hand to lift and keep movng the fish about otherwise the fat may come over the top of the pan.

Cook until crisp, drain on a cloth or paper towel and serve with a wedge of lemon and some fried parsley.

Yum

[funnywebsite]

I used to love white bait. You used to find it in the supermarket but they don't seem to do it anymore.

[nickmo]

Hi funnywebsite - Just put a note on the thread above this (Worst/Lazy food...).to say go to your local Chinese supermarket. They will nearly always have whitebait - usually w/out coatings, but its easy to add as above recipe note. A good fishmonger will order in as well if you have one nearby and you get a 'planned' craving.

[funnywebsite]

Thanks nickmo, I have seen the uncoated ones but I used to get the coated ones ready done. I think it was a good company like Youngs that used to do it. Don't know whey they stopped. I am too lazy, well not the natural kitchen person to go to any trouble of coating something myself I am afraid to say.

[nickmo]

Hi, funnyw.

Have you had a look in Makro or similar? You may get them coated for the 'trade' .....