Chicago-Style Grilled Smelt: A Crispy Great Lakes Tradition

There is a distinct nostalgia attached to the annual smelt run along the shores of Lake Michigan, a culinary tradition that holds a special place in Chicago history. For decades, the arrival of spring meant gathering with friends and family to fry up batches of these small, silvery fish. This recipe reimagines that classic deep-fried experience for the Arteflame grill, allowing you to achieve that signature golden crunch without the mess of heavy oil. By utilizing the searing heat of the Arteflame’s carbon steel cooktop, we mimic the texture of a traditional fry while infusing the fish with a subtle, smoky wood-fired flavor. Whether you are a lifelong Illinois resident reliving the glory days of the smelt shacks or a seafood enthusiast looking for a unique appetizer, this Chicago-style grilled smelt recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory cornmeal crust and tender, delicate meat.

Ingredients

The Fish & Coating

• 1 lb fresh or frozen smelt (cleaned, headed, and gutted)
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine to medium grind)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred Creole seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For The Grill & Garnish

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or high-heat cooking oil like Canola)
• 1 large lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Tartar sauce or hot sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Smelt and Dredge

1. If using frozen smelt, ensure they are fully thawed and patted completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from crisping up properly.
2. In a large, shallow bowl or a gallon-sized ziplock bag, combine the yellow cornmeal, flour, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Toss the smelt in the cornmeal mixture in batches, shaking off any excess. You want a light, even coating rather than a thick batter.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You are aiming for a cooktop temperature of roughly 400°F to 450°F (medium-high heat).
2. Let the fire mature until the griddle is hot. Scrape the cooktop clean if necessary to ensure a smooth cooking surface.
3. Apply a generous layer of melted butter or oil to the flat cooktop surface where you intend to grill. The oil should shimmer but not smoke excessively.

Step 3: Grill the Smelt

1. Place the coated smelt individually onto the oiled cooktop. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching; overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than crisp.
2. Grill for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. You are looking for a deep golden-brown color and a crispy texture.
3. Using a thin metal spatula, carefully flip each fish. Add a small drizzle of butter if the cooktop looks dry.
4. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the second side until crispy and the meat is opaque and flakes easily.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Once fully cooked, move the smelt to the outer, cooler edge of the grill to keep warm if you are cooking in batches.
2. Transfer the crispy smelt to a serving platter.
3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fish immediately and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve while piping hot.

Tips

The secret to perfect Chicago-style smelt lies in moisture control and heat management. Smelt are small and delicate, meaning they cook very quickly. It is imperative to dry the fish thoroughly before dredging; if the fish is wet, the cornmeal will turn into a soggy paste rather than a crispy crust. When using the Arteflame, leverage the different heat zones. Sear the fish closer to the center for that initial crunch, then move them further out to finish cooking through without burning the coating. If you are lucky enough to find "dressed" smelt (bones removed), the eating experience is easier, but traditionally, smaller smelt are eaten bone-in as the high heat renders the tiny bones soft and edible, adding a calcium crunch that enthusiasts love.

Variations

While the cornmeal crust is the traditional Chicago standard, smelt is a versatile fish that adapts well to various flavor profiles. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your palate or dietary needs. Since the flavor of the fish is mild and slightly sweet, it stands up well to bolder spices and different textures. Here are a few ways to mix up your next grill session:

• Spicy Cajun Style: Double the cayenne pepper and replace the Old Bay with a spicy Cajun rub for a Southern kick.
• Herb & Garlic: Skip the cornmeal for a keto-friendly version; simply brush the fish with garlic butter and fresh dill before searing.
• Panko Crunch: Substitute half the cornmeal with Panko breadcrumbs for an extra airy, crunchy texture.
• Asian Fusion: Marinate the smelt in soy sauce and ginger for 10 minutes, then grill without breading and finish with sesame seeds.
• Beer Battered: While difficult on a flat top, you can use a very thick beer-batter paste, but the dry cornmeal dredge works best for griddle cooking.

Best pairings

Fried or grilled smelt is technically a "snack" fish, often consumed by the dozen, making it excellent social food. To turn this into a full meal or a robust appetizer spread, you need sides that cut through the richness of the cornmeal and butter. Acid and crunch are your best friends here. In Chicago, no seafood feast is complete without the proper dipping sauces and starch to soak up the flavors.

• Classic Tartar Sauce: A creamy, tangy homemade tartar sauce with extra pickles and capers.
• French Fries: Shoestring fries or thick-cut wedges cooked right on the Arteflame alongside the fish.
• Vinegar-based Coleslaw: The acidity of a vinegar slaw balances the savory fried flavor better than creamy slaw.
• Cold Pilsner: A crisp, cold local lager or pilsner is the beverage of choice to wash down the salty, savory fish.

Conclusion

Recreating the Chicago-style grilled smelt on an Arteflame grill is more than just preparing a meal; it is about keeping a culinary heritage alive. The flat-top grilling method provides the perfect compromise between healthy cooking and indulgent texture, yielding a product that is less greasy than deep-frying but just as satisfying. The smoky nuance from the wood fire elevates the humble smelt into a gourmet outdoor dining experience. Whether you are hosting a backyard gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this dish brings the flavor of the Great Lakes directly to your plate. Gather your friends, crack open a cold drink, and enjoy these golden, crispy delights right off the grill.