Italian Fresh Marinated Anchovies Recipe
Fresh Marinated Anchovies! With lemon, vinegar and fresh Italian herbs, this Italian food recipe is a classic as an appetizer or even a main dish. Much like the ceviche of South America, the fresh anchovies are cured with acidic juice and a bit of salt.
Ingredients
- 40 fresh anchovy filets see notes about freezing!
- 2 whole lemons juice and zest
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or similar vinegar
- 2 tsp fine salt or as needed
- 1 handful flat leaf Italian parsley minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme minced
- 3 sprigs fresh marjoram minced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- olive oil extra virgin; drizzle
- fresh ginger optional (to taste)
- red peppercorns optional (to taste)
Instructions
Prep the Fresh Anchovies
- If you are not buying the anchovies already prepped (head, organs and spine removed), you'll need to prep them using our guide: https://www.piattorecipes.com/how-to-prepare-fresh-anchovies/
- Prep about 40 anchovy filets for this recipe.40 fresh anchovy filets
Freeze the Anchovies
- FREEZE the anchovies for a week before marinating them. Freeze them at -4°F (-21°C) per the FDA recommendations. The process of freezing the anchovies kills the most dangerous of the parasites that fresh anchovies can contain.
Prepare the Liquid
- Combine the vinegar and freshly squeezed lemon juice.2 whole lemons, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Mince the Garlic and Herbs
- Mince together the garlic and herbs.1 handful flat leaf Italian parsley, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 3 sprigs fresh marjoram, 2 cloves fresh garlic, fresh ginger
Prepare the Anchovies
- Prepare one layer of anchovy filets (insides up) in a shallow container or dish.
- Cover with the lemon/vinegar mix and a generous sprinkle of fine salt.2 tsp fine salt
- Top the anchovies with a generous amount of minced herbs.
- Top with a second layer of anchovies, covering with lemon/vinegar, salt and herbs as you did previously.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil, peppercorns (optional) and the lemon zest.olive oil, red peppercorns
- Cover and leave in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 6 hours. Buon appetito!
Video
Notes
Food Safety
Fresh anchovies (like all blue fish) can contain a parasite which can make you very ill or kill you. Acidic marinades and salt alone will not kill these parasites.
FREEZE the anchovies for a week before marinating them. Freeze them at -4°F (-21°C) per the FDA recommendations. The process of freezing the anchovies kills the most dangerous of the parasites that fresh anchovies can contain.
Please see our guide on how to prepare fresh anchovies for details.
Looks Cooked—but is NOT!
After the marinade, the fresh anchovies will change color. They may look cooked but they are not. Just as raw sushi carries the risk of certain foodborne illnesses, so too do Marinated Fresh Anchovies.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!