AppetizerSnack

Boquerones Fritos

Name: Boquerones Fritos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: spanish
Ingredients: 500 g fresh anchovy cleaned and butterflied; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 2 cup olive oil; 1 pcs lemon cut into wedges

These crispy fried anchovies are a classic Spanish tapa. Fresh anchovies are lightly coated in flour and quickly fried until golden and tender. They are typically served with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 30 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Allergen information: may contain fish and gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

500 gfresh anchovy, cleaned and butterflied
0.5 cupall-purpose flour
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 cupolive oil

for serving

1 pcslemon, cut into wedges

Equipment

shallow dish · slotted spoon · paper towels · frying pan

The method

Step by step

1
Rinse the cleaned and butterflied anchovies under cold water, then pat them very dry with paper towels.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Ensuring the anchovies are completely dry is crucial for a crispy coating.
2
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
About 1 min
3
Dredge each anchovy in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's lightly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the flour mixture.
4
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 175°C (350°F).
About 3 min
Cook’s note: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle immediately when an anchovy is added, but not smoking.
5
Carefully place a single layer of floured anchovies into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
6
Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
About 6 min
7
Remove the fried anchovies with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
About 1 min
8
Repeat with the remaining anchovies until all are fried.
9
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Keep it good

Storage

Store any leftover boquerones fritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a dry pan over medium heat or in an oven until crispy again.