Smelt

Alternative Names: None

Monterey Bay Recommendation: Rainbow smelt caught in Lakes Erie, Huron and Superior is a "Best Choice" or "Good Alternative." It's a non-native species, so the harvest of rainbow smelt is not an ecological concern. Don't buy eulachon caught in British Columbia, Canada.

Uses in Cooking: These small fish are almost always pan fried or deep fried whole.

Similar Fish: Anchovy, sardine, herring

Description: These are almost always eaten whole, so the texture of the meat is often upstaged by the crunch of the edible bones and crispy batter. The flavor is mild and savory.

Fun Facts: These are the main ingredient of a common dish called, "fries with eyes". This is a battered, deep fried dish of small whole smelt that is meant to look like french fries.