My cookbook

Ingredients

2 pounds small smelt fish
1 cup flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic
¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

With your hands, gently pry open the head of the fish and gently pull the gills along with the entrails. Rinse under cold running water and drain well.
In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Dredge smelt fish in flour mixture to completely coat.
In a pot over medium heat, heat about 2-inch deep of oil. Add fish, shaking off excess flour, and deep-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from heat and drain in a colander set over a bowl. Serve hot.

Источник: https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/crispy-fried-smelt-fish/