| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 25g | 5g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 1g | 20g | 0.8g |
Why I Love Spanish Fried Anchovies
Every time my kitchen fills with the crisp, enticing aroma of Fried Anchovies, my heart soars with joy. This quintessential Spanish recipe, with its simple but flavorful ingredients of fresh anchovies, flour, olive oil, and salt, intertwined with the acidic burst of lemon, embodies the union of comfort and elegance in gastronomy. It reminds me, every time, of the shared love of food that bridges my Irish heritage with the multicultural tapestry that I navigate as a Boston native.
Fried Anchovies: A Spanish Delight
Why do I love this fried anchovies recipe? Like the hearty Irish stews and New England clam chowders I grew up on, there’s a satisfying simplicity in this dish. Cooking, for me, is not simply about concocting lavish spreads—it’s the incredible magic that can be woven with staples like anchovies, olive oil, flour, and lemons. I instantly fell in love with this dish when I sampled it during a visit to Spain. The balance of the delicate, mildly sweet anchovies and the tangy lemon was delightful; I couldn’t wait to try it in my own kitchen.
Inspired by Greatness
In recreating this taste of Spain, I was inspired by none other than Jamie Oliver, the British chef adored by millions for his passionate and down-to-earth approach to cooking. His finesse and class in presenting even the humblest of dishes never ceases to inspire me as I journey across various cuisine landscapes. That said, Fried Anchovies is just the start. There is so much more in the world of Spanish food that I’m excited to explore.
End each meal with the wholesome goodness of Fried Anchovies, and suddenly, the world seems a tiny bit brighter. It’s a joy that I love to share with my family—especially my radiant fiancée Laura and our baby boy who is eagerly exploring his taste buds. Food, after all, is all about love, sharing, and creating wonderful memories. It’s what makes a recipe special for me—and it’s why I truly love this fried anchovies recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs small fresh anchovies
- 4 cups of flour
- 4 cups of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 whole lemons, cut into wedges
Method
Step One
First, clean the anchovies by removing the heads and the innards, but leave the tail attached. Rinse them under cold running water and pat dry.
Step Two
In a large bowl, place 4 cups of flour. Toss your cleaned anchovies into the flour and coat them completely.
Step Three
Heat 4 cups of olive oil in a deep fryer or large, deep saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Make sure the oil is hot before you start frying the anchovies.
Step Four
Fry the flour-coated anchovies in the hot oil until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the fryer; you may need to fry in batches. This should take approximately 2-3 minutes.
Step Five
Remove the fried anchovies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle them with salt to taste while they are still hot.
Step Six
Serve the fried anchovies immediately, alongside wedges of lemon for serving.
