Crispy Fried Anchovies with Garlic and Lemon

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) fresh anchovies, cleaned and deboned 1 pound (450g) fresh anchovies, cleaned and deboned
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Rinse the anchovies under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. 3.
   Dip each anchovy into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. 4.
   In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Fry the anchovies in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried anchovies from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic and lemon juice.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the garlic-lemon mixture over the fried anchovies.
9. 9.
   Serve the Crispy Fried Anchovies with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — Ensure that the anchovies are fresh and properly cleaned. Removing the bones is crucial to ensure a pleasant eating experience.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
• Lemon — Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for acidity.
• Vegetable oil — Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the anchovies in the flour mixture before frying.
• Serve the Crispy Fried Anchovies immediately after frying to maintain their crunchiness.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can sauté the minced garlic in olive oil before mixing it with the lemon juice.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the flour mixture, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, to add a personal touch to the dish.
• If you can't find fresh anchovies, you can use canned anchovies packed in oil as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Fried Anchovies as a tapas dish, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color. These anchovies are best enjoyed warm and can be served as an appetizer or part of a larger Spanish-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Fried Anchovies on a platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not piled on top of each other. Place lemon wedges around the anchovies for a visually appealing presentation. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish to add a touch of green.