Deep-fried, crunchy anchovies are a pillar of Spanish food. A simple, satisfying snack to mix with other tapas, Boquerones fritos are especially popular in the South of Spain, though they are present throughout the country. What makes them great is the freshness of the anchovies and how often the frying oil is changed.
Quick facts about Boquerones fritos
- Also known as: Fried Anchovies
- Definition: Boquerones fritos is a Spanish tapa made with anchovies, usually deep fried, served hot, and known for its crispy texture.
- Context: Andalusian star, loved in all of Spain
- Served: hot
- Texture: crunchy
- Flavour: savory
- Related preparations:
- Pescaíto frito (mixed fried fish including boquerones)
- Parrochas (small sardines fried the same way)
- Boquerones en vinagre (raw anchovies marinated in vinegar)
- Pronunciation: boh-keh-ROH-nehs FREE-tohs
- One-line verdict: Boquerones fritos are for fried fish lovers, those in need of a small crunchy snack, and people who want to enjoy a typical Spanish dish.
Why it’s worth ordering
Walking in the heat, while great if you’re coming from a rainy area, makes you want to take a break and have a cold drink. And you don’t need a hot stew with that; you want something savory and crunchy to snack on. Boquerones fritos are not about a hearty meal; it’s about snacking while you take a break and talk with friends and family.
Taste and texture
Great Boquerones fritos don’t taste fishy; they have a neutral, savory flavor. That’s because the restaurant uses fresh anchovies. They don’t feel oily, and neither does the restaurant smell like fried fish – because they change the oil daily.
The outside is crispy, while the inside is flaky. There is no brine, no intensity, none of the saltiness associated with canned anchovies: just clean, fresh fish with a light coating that dissolves as you chew. Squeeze a little lemon over the plate, because the acidity brightens the dish.
Don’t be afraid of the bones: while you can spend the time to pick them out, most locals eat Boquerones fritos whole because the bones are very thin and small.
Unless you don’t like fish, you can’t go wrong with this tapa.
How to order it
Different areas have different portion sizes; some menus don’t even mention the option to choose. You can go ahead and order like this: “los boquerones, por favor”. Ask for more tapas, based on how many people are at the table.
Then, if you’re still hungry, you ask for more food. If you’re asking for too much food, because the portions are large, the waiter may offer their advice so you can ask for fewer dishes.
Quick decision guide
You’ll like it if you like fried seafood and crispy food.
If you want something similar: Calamares fritos, Pescaíto frito, Parrochas
Frequently asked questions
Most people think of anchovies like the cured, brown, intensely flavored small fish. But that’s not how the fresh version looks or tastes. Boquerones fritos are silver, light and delicate; tasting them is often a nice surprise for people who assumed they would not like anchovies.
Not quite: Pescaíto frito includes several other fish besides Boquerones. Ordering Pescaíto frito is a good way to try several fried fish in one plate.
