5 from 2 votes
Hamsi Tava - Crispy Fried Anchovies
These Crispy Fried Anchovies, known as Hamsi Tava in Turkish, are a popular dish, along Turkey’s Black Sea coast.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
2
people
Calories:
825 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Turkish
Ingredients
- 500 g anchovy cleaned and gutted, with heads removed, fresh, aka hamsi
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or rapeseed oil or sunflower oil, for frying
- lemon for serving, wedges
Instructions
- Remove the heads and clean the insides of anchovies if they haven’t been prepped already.
- Rinse them under cold water and let them drain on a colander for a few minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each fish, shaking off any excess. The goal is a thin, even layer that crisps up perfectly when fried.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, arrange the anchovies in a circular pattern, making sure they are tightly touching each other.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip using a lid or another pan, and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried anchovies to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with crusty bread, lemon wedges and fresh greens.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use the freshest fish available – Fresh anchovies have a firm texture, bright eyes, and mild scent. Avoid any with a strong fishy smell.<
- Drain well before coating – Removing excess moisture helps the cornmeal stick better and results in an even, crispy crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan – Arrange the fish close together to keep them in place, but without overlapping, to ensure even cooking and a golden finish.
- Use the right oil – Sunflower oil is commonly used, but you can use any oil that is good for frying.
Nutrition Information
Calories
825kcal
(41%)
Carbohydrates
63g
(21%)
Protein
49g
(98%)
Fat
56g
(86%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
23g
(115%)
Cholesterol
95mg
(32%)
Sodium
2284mg
(95%)
Potassium
755mg
(16%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Vitamin A
620IU
(12%)
Calcium
956mg
(96%)
Iron
6mg
(33%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 825
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 825kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 56g | 86% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 2284mg | 95% |
| Potassium | 755mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 620IU | 12% |
| Calcium | 956mg | 96% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.