Crispy Fried Anchovies with Fish Sauce - Family Culinary Recipe

Updated at: 29/05/2025

Crispy Fried Anchovies with Fish Sauce is a beloved dish in many Southeast Asian cuisines, celebrated for its irresistible crunch and savory umami flavor. This simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe transforms humble anchovies into a culinary delight, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish to complement rice or noodles. The addictive combination of perfectly fried, salty anchovies and the fragrant, tangy fish sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. Forget bland, this recipe delivers a powerful punch of flavour that's surprisingly easy to achieve.

This recipe unlocks the secret to achieving perfectly crispy anchovies every time, avoiding the soggy disappointment that can sometimes occur. From selecting the right anchovies to mastering the frying technique, we'll guide you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create a dish that's both delicious and impressive? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • Anchovies: 600 grams
  • Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
  • MSG: 1 teaspoon
  • White wine
  • Cooking oil
  • Garlic
  • Fish sauce
  • Sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Anchovies

  • Clean and prepare the anchovies. Remove the fishy smell by washing and draining them. Add white wine to further reduce the odor.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder and 1 teaspoon of MSG. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Clean and prepare the anchovies. Remove the fishy smell by washing and draining them. Add white wine to further reduce the odor.Marinate the anchovies: Add 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder and 1 teaspoon of MSG. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the Anchovies

Step 2. Fry the Anchovies

  • Heat cooking oil in a frying pan until hot.
  • Fry the anchovies in batches until golden brown and crispy. Ensure they remain intact during frying.
Heat cooking oil in a frying pan until hot.Fry the anchovies in batches until golden brown and crispy. Ensure they remain intact during frying.
Fry the Anchovies

Step 3. Prepare the Fish Sauce

  • Sauté garlic.
  • Pour the fish sauce into a bowl and heat until clear. Add sugar if desired.
Sauté garlic.Prepare the fish sauce mixture: Pour the fish sauce into a bowl and heat until clear. Add sugar if desired.
Prepare the Fish Sauce

Step 4. Combine and Serve

  • Combine the fried anchovies and the fish sauce mixture. Stir to coat the anchovies evenly and heat through.
Combine the fried anchovies and the fish sauce mixture. Stir to coat the anchovies evenly and heat through.
Combine and Serve

Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack

Tips

  • Use fresh and dried anchovies for best results.
  • Fry the anchovies over medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar in the fish sauce according to your preference.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. How can I prevent my anchovies from becoming soggy?

Ensure your anchovies are completely dry before frying. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels and fry them in hot oil for a short time to create a crisp exterior.

2. What type of fish sauce is best for this recipe?

A good quality fish sauce with a strong, savory flavor is recommended. Look for one that's not overly salty or fishy.


This Crispy Fried Anchovies with Fish Sauce recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy this addictive snack with friends and family, savoring the satisfying crunch and unforgettable flavor. With a little practice, this dish will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.