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Lebanese Samak Bizri (fried anchovies)

Subtly spiced crispy fried anchovies

Servings 4 people
Author Zaatar and Zaytoun

Ingredients

  • 500 g of filleted anchovies heads & insides removed
  • 2 cups of 'frito' flour OR cornflour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • good pinch of salt approx ¼ tsp
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. To fillet the anchovies, remove the head and scape out the insides with your thumb, removing the spine as you go along
  2. Wash the anchovies well and drain in a colander, set aside
  3. In a wide bowl, add the flour, paprika, black pepper and salt. Mix well
  4. Toss the anchovies in the flour until well coated, pick them up by the tail and dust lightly and transfer to a separate plate
  5. In a deep frying pan, add around 2 inches of oil and heat on medium high for around 10 minutes (test with a small piece of bread if it sizzles around the edge it's hot enough)
  6. Fry the anchovies in batches until golden and crisp, turning once they hold their shape, and drain on a paper towel lined plate
  7. Serve with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of salt and pomegranate mollases.