Spicy Baked Anchovies: A Simple Side Dish

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor, these Spicy Baked Anchovies are exactly what you need! With a fiery marinade and a simple bake, they’re perfect as a side dish or a light meal alongside rice, curry, salad, or even as a snack on their own.

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About This Recipe

Anchovies are small, flavorful fish that pack a punch in taste and nutrition. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients, they are an excellent addition to a healthy diet. While anchovies are commonly used in sauces and dressings, this recipe highlights their versatility by showcasing them as a standalone dish.

This recipe comes together effortlessly, requiring just a handful of pantry staples for the marinade and minimal prep time. The result? Tender, spicy, and perfectly baked anchovies with a hint of tanginess from the lemon and a golden finish from broiling. Whether you pair them with steamed rice, a vibrant salad, or a hearty curry, these baked anchovies will bring a burst of flavor to your table.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Spicy Baked Anchovies:

For the marinade:
- Ginger garlic paste (or minced garlic and ginger)
- Mustard
- Salt
- Red chili powder (or to taste)
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Juice of one lemon
- Cornstarch
Anchovies (cleaned and washed)
Olive oil

Substitutions:

Anchovies: If fresh anchovies aren’t available, sardines or small mackerel can be used as an alternative.
Cornstarch: Swap with rice flour or all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture.

How To Store Spicy Baked Anchovies

To store leftover baked anchovies:

Refrigerator: Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on a stovetop pan to restore their crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze cooked anchovies in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tips

Pat the anchovies dry with a paper towel before marinating to help the flavors stick better.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—leave some space between each anchovy for even cooking.
Adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or reducing the red chili powder.
Broiling the anchovies at the end adds a lovely crispy texture, so don’t skip this step!

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen anchovies?

Yes! Just thaw them completely, clean them, and pat them dry before marinating.

What can I serve spicy baked anchovies with?

These anchovies pair wonderfully with steamed rice, lentil curry, a fresh green salad, or even roasted vegetables.

Can I fan-fry the anchovies instead of baking?

Absolutely! Heat some oil in a pan and fry the marinated anchovies until crispy on both sides.

How do I clean anchovies?

Remove the heads, guts, and scales, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Here’s a detailed video.

Do you love quick recipes like this one? Try out my Potato Leek Soup (it’s easy, delicious, and healthy!), or my Creamy Mushroom Pasta!

Check out my YouTube Channel for detailed recipe tutorials! Made one of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram, I would love to see your creations!

Recipe Card

Spicy Baked Anchovies

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Marination: 20-30 min

Total Time: 1 hr.

Course:

Servings: 4-5

Calories: 245kcal

Ingredients

For the marinade:

2 tsp ginger garlic paste (or minced garlic and ginger)
1 tbsp mustard
Salt (to taste)
2 tsp red chili powder (or to taste)
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
Juice of one lemon
1 tbsp cornstarch

Remaining Ingredients:

500g anchovies (cleaned and washed)
2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment/Utensils

A mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
A spoon or spatula

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: ginger garlic paste, mustard, salt, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth.
Add the cleaned and washed anchovies to the marinade. Toss until the fish are fully coated, then let them marinate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it. Arrange the marinated anchovies in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes, then broil for 4-5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Serve hot with rice, salad, or your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 245.21kcal

Total Fat: 14.66g

Carbs: 10.85g

Sugar: 6.42g

Protein: 18.67g

Sodium: 2929.5mg

Fiber: 0.87g

** Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, cooking methods, portion sizes, and more. **