Smažený Kapr (Czech Christmas Fried Carp)
Local name: Smažený kapr
In short: Carp fillets or steaks coated in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and fried until golden, the traditional Czech Christmas Eve main with potato salad. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 650 kcal
On December 24th, most Czech families sit down to fried carp and potato salad. The fish is often bought live in the days before and kept until Christmas Eve. Pieces are seasoned, breaded and fried until the crust is crisp and the flesh is moist and mild. Carp has fine bones, so ask the fishmonger for fillets with the rib bones removed, or use cod or trout if carp is hard to find.
Instructions
- Check the fish for bones and remove any with tweezers. Season with the salt and lemon juice and leave in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Pat the fish dry. Set out three plates: flour, the beaten eggs and milk, and the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick.
- Heat about 1 cm (1/2 in) of oil in a wide skillet to 170°C (340°F).
- Fry the fish in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and the flesh flakes easily and reaches 63°C (145°F) inside.
- Drain on a rack and keep warm in a 100°C (210°F) oven while you fry the rest.
- Serve with potato salad and lemon wedges.
Tips
- If you find carp earthy, soak the pieces in cold milk for 30 minutes, then pat them dry before seasoning.
- Cod, haddock or trout fillets cook faster, in about 3 to 4 minutes per side, and have far fewer bones.
Questions and answers
Can I use another fish for fried carp?
Yes. Cod, haddock, pollock or trout fillets are good substitutes and are easier to find.
How do I deal with the bones in carp?
Carp has many fine rib bones. Buy fillets with the rib bones removed, or score the flesh closely so the small bones soften while frying, and warn guests.
Can I make fried carp ahead?
It is best fresh. If you must, fry it and keep it warm in a 100°C (210°F) oven for up to 30 minutes.
How long does it take to make Smažený Kapr (Czech Christmas Fried Carp)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Smažený Kapr (Czech Christmas Fried Carp)?
About 650 kcal per serving, with 43 g of protein, 32 g of carbohydrates and 37 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 650 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 43 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
