Grilled Michigan Smelt with Lemon and Herbs

Introduction

Crispy, golden, and full of delicate flavor, grilled Michigan smelt is a true Great Lakes delicacy. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill ensures a perfect crispy finish while keeping the inside tender. Infused with fresh herbs, garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon, these smelt are a must for any seafood lover. You'll grill them to perfection on the Arteflame’s flat cooktop, keeping all the flavors intact and avoiding any burning. Let’s get grilling!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh smelt, cleaned
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to spread.
4. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Smelt

1. In a large bowl, toss the cleaned smelt with melted butter, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
2. Mix well, ensuring each smelt is evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle with lemon zest and gently toss again.

Step 3: Grill the Smelt

1. Place the buttered and seasoned smelt directly onto the hot Arteflame cooktop.
2. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping carefully with tongs.
3. Cook until the smelt is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Herbs

1. Remove the smelt from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate.
2. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle chopped parsley and dill over the top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange the smelt on a serving platter.
2. Garnish with lemon wedges.
3. Serve immediately while crispy and hot.

Tips

• Cook smelt in small batches to achieve a crispy texture.
• Use the hotter area of the Arteflame flat cooktop to sear, then move them to a slightly cooler zone to finish cooking evenly.
• For an extra crunch, let the smelt rest for a minute before serving.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Smelt: Increase the garlic to 4 cloves and brush the smelt with extra melted butter before serving.
• Spicy Cajun Smelt: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.
• Herb-Crusted Smelt: Coat the smelt in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parsley, and parmesan for a crispy herb crust.
• Asian Style Smelt: Replace the lemon juice with soy sauce and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
• Citrus Zest Smelt: Add orange and lime zest along with the lemon for a vibrant citrus-infused flavor.

Best Pairings

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling
• Grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
• Roasted garlic potatoes cooked on the flat top
• A light, refreshing coleslaw
• Freshly baked ciabatta bread with butter

Conclusion

Grilled Michigan smelt on the Arteflame brings out the best in this Great Lakes favorite. With a crispy grilled texture and a burst of flavor from lemon and herbs, this dish is simple yet incredibly delicious. The Arteflame grill ensures even cooking, locking in the delicate juices without burning. Serve it up fresh and enjoy the taste of Michigan's finest seafood!