Crispy Seared Dutch Smelt with Zesty Remoulade on the Arteflame Grill

There is something undeniably nostalgic and satisfying about enjoying small, flavorful fish like Dutch Smelt. While these delicate treats are traditionally deep-fried, preparing them on the Arteflame grill elevates this humble catch into a gourmet outdoor dining experience. The high heat of the solid steel cooktop sears the skin to golden-brown perfection while keeping the flesh inside tender and moist, all without the heaviness of heavy batter or excess oil. It is a method that highlights the natural sweetness of the fish.

Paired with a homemade, tangy Remoulade sauce, this dish balances the rich, savory flavors of the sea with a creamy, zesty kick that cuts right through the richness. Whether you are serving this as a sophisticated appetizer for a summer gathering or a light, protein-packed main course, this recipe brings the coastal dining experience directly to your backyard. It is quick, impressive, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

For the Dutch Smelt

• 1 lb fresh Dutch Smelt, cleaned and heads removed (optional)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (to prevent burning)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Zesty Remoulade

• 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp capers, roughly chopped
• 1 small gherkin or pickle, finely diced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh tarragon, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Remoulade Sauce

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
2. Fold in the chopped capers, diced gherkin, parsley, and tarragon.
3. Add the hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium-high fire. You want the cooktop to be hot enough to sear immediately but not so hot that it burns the butter instantly.
2. Allow the cooktop to season and heat up evenly. Use a splash of water to test the heat; if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, you are ready to cook.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface where you plan to cook the fish.

Step 3: Prep and Season the Smelt

1. Rinse the smelt under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a crispy sear.
2. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Lightly dredge each smelt in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. You want a very thin coating, not a thick batter.

Step 4: Sear the Fish

1. Melt the butter with the olive oil on the flat cooktop surface. The oil helps stabilize the butter so it doesn't burn.
2. Place the smelt onto the hot surface in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them; give each fish its own space to sear properly.
3. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You are looking for a crispy, golden crust and for the eyes (if heads are on) to turn white.
4. Flip gently using tongs or a spatula and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the smelt from the grill immediately to prevent overcooking.
2. Arrange on a platter with the chilled Remoulade sauce on the side.
3. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley. Serve hot.

Tips

Cooking small fish like smelt on a flat-top grill requires a bit of finesse to ensure they remain intact and get that perfect crust. The most important tip is to ensure your fish is completely dry before dredging; moisture creates steam, which leads to soggy skin rather than a crisp sear. Additionally, management of heat on the Arteflame is key. Use the zones further from the center fire for a gentler sear if your fire is roaring, or move closer to the center if you need a quick blast of heat to finish the crust. When flipping, be confident but gentle—smelt are delicate and can break apart if handled too roughly. Finally, always make your remoulade ahead of time. The difference in flavor between a freshly mixed sauce and one that has sat for an hour is significant, as the acids from the lemon and pickles need time to permeate the creamy mayonnaise base.

Variations

While the classic flour dusting and remoulade combo is timeless, you can easily customize this recipe to suit different palates or dietary needs. By swapping out the flour or changing the spice profile, you can transform the dish entirely. Here are a few ways to mix it up on your Arteflame:

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornmeal or rice flour. Cornmeal adds a wonderful extra crunch and an earthier flavor that pairs beautifully with the fish.
• Cajun Kick: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy Southern twist.
• Herb-Crusted: Mix dried thyme, oregano, and garlic powder into the flour for a more aromatic, Mediterranean-style profile.
• Asian Fusion: Skip the remoulade and serve with a ponzu dipping sauce; season the flour with a pinch of ginger powder.
• Garlic Butter: Skip the dredging entirely and sear the fish directly in garlic-infused butter with a squeeze of lime.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you want beverages and sides that cut through the richness of the fried fish and the creamy sauce. Because smelt is a rich, oily fish, it pairs exceptionally well with acidic and crisp accompaniments. Think of fresh salads or roasted vegetables that can also be prepared right on the Arteflame alongside the main event.

• Drink: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an Albariño is perfect. For beer lovers, a cold Pilsner or a wheat beer with a slice of lemon complements the dish wonderfully.
• Side: Grilled asparagus or green beans with lemon zest are excellent, healthy options.
• Starch: Serve with roasted fingerling potatoes or a light vinegar-based potato salad rather than a creamy one to avoid mayonnaise overload.
• Salad: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of searing Dutch Smelt on the Arteflame grill is a rewarding culinary adventure that yields delicious results with minimal effort. This recipe proves that you don't need a deep fryer to enjoy crispy, flavorful fish. The combination of the hot, savory smelt and the cool, tangy remoulade creates a texture and flavor contrast that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you are an avid angler cooking your fresh catch or simply a seafood lover looking for a new technique, this dish is a testament to the versatility of outdoor griddle cooking. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh seafood done right.