Latvian Fried Sprats on Rye Bread
A popular Latvian appetizer or snack, featuring crispy fried sprats served atop slices of dark rye bread. Often seasoned with garlic and served with a dollop of sour cream or mayonnaise.
๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh sprats(cleaned and heads removed)
- 4 slices Dark rye bread(about 1 cm thick)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour(for dredging)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 4 tbsp Sour cream or mayonnaise(for serving (optional))
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish (optional))
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Pat the cleaned sprats dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
- 2
Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge the sprats in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 4
Carefully add the floured sprats to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- 5
Remove the fried sprats from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 6
Lightly toast or grill the slices of rye bread until slightly crisp.
- 7
Rub the minced garlic over the surface of the toasted rye bread slices.
- 8
Arrange the fried sprats on top of the garlic-rubbed rye bread. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or mayonnaise and chopped fresh dill or parsley, if desired.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โEnsure the oil is hot enough before adding the sprats for maximum crispiness.
- โDon't overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the fish instead of frying it.
- โUsing good quality, dense rye bread is key for this dish.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Marinate the sprats in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before frying.
- Serve with a remoulade sauce or a dill-mustard sauce instead of sour cream.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the flour for extra flavor.