Tips: How to make Fried Anchovies without Frying

Anchovies is the all time favorite for Malaysian. To us this is the key ingredient to Malaysian food. Most of my non-Asian friends find it fishy and they will avoid them as much as they could. In Norway, they have something similar that was process in the same way for example Luttefisk and that is not fishy for them. This is the ingredient that run out really fast in my fridge because I use them for a lot of things.

There are many types of Anchovies and they have different usage. The tiny small ones are the best for snack. However I don't like fried stuff because it is oily (worry the extra layer on my belly). One day, I discovered a way to 'fried' my anchovies without putting it into hot oil. They turn out crunchy as if I've fried it. Further more this is super quick and impossible to burn. Here's how you can do it:

1) In a bowl rinse a handful of anchovies with water
2) Soak them for 5 minutes if you don't like them too salty
3) Drain it
4) Mix in 1 or 2 table spoon of cooking oil(depends on how much you are making)
5) Place it in microwave for 1.5 minutes, stir for a bit and put it back into the microwave
6) Repeat the process until the anchovies are completely crunchy. It will be lightly brown.

Notes: The bowl can be extremely hot, be careful not to hold them with bare hands after it is done. Reduce the time if you notice that the anchovies is almost dried.

Now enjoy it with your Nasi Lemak, Pan Mee, Anchovies soup, or just eat is as a snack.