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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
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 825 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Turkish

Ingredients

  • 500 g fresh anchovies (hamsi) (cleaned and gutted, with heads removed)
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup vegetable, rapeseed or sunflower oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

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  1. Remove the heads and clean the insides of anchovies if they haven’t been prepped already. 
  2. Rinse them under cold water and let them drain on a colander for a few minutes.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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 Monounsaturated Fat 23g Cholesterol 95mg (32%) Sodium 2284mg (95%) Potassium 755mg (22%) Fiber 5g (20%) Vitamin A 620IU (12%) Calcium 956mg (96%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2people

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.