If you are one of those people, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be discussing the steps that you need to take to properly clean anchovies.
Step 1: Preparing the Anchovies
Before you start cleaning the anchovies, the first step is to prepare them for the process. Begin by washing them thoroughly under tap water to remove any dirt or debris on them. Once you’ve ensured that they’re clean, place them in a bowl and fill the bowl with cold water. Allow the anchovies to soak in the water for about 30 minutes; this will help soften them.
Step 2: Removing the Head and Guts
The next step is to remove the head and guts from the anchovies. To do this, hold the anchovy firmly by the tail and use a sharp knife to make an incision from the head to the tail. Open up the anchovy and gently remove the head and guts. Be careful not to break the fish’s spine while doing this. Make sure that you remove the guts completely; failure to do so can make the anchovies taste bitter.
Step 3: Removing the Backbone
Once you have removed the guts, the next step is to remove the backbone from the anchovies. This is done by holding the anchovy firmly in your hand and running your finger down the spine from the head to the tail. This should loosen the spine from the flesh, making it easy to remove.
Step 4: Washing the Anchovies
After removing the backbone, rinse the anchovies thoroughly with cold water. Make sure that you wash off any bits of the backbone or guts that may still be attached to the flesh. Once your anchovies are fully cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
Step 5: Storing the Anchovies
After cleaning your anchovies, you can store them in the refrigerator to be used later. To do this, wrap them in a paper towel or plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock bag. They can stay in the refrigerator for up to two days.
In conclusion, cleaning anchovies might seem like a daunting task, but it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. The key is to ensure that you handle the anchovies delicately to prevent breaking their spines. When selecting your anchovies, always ensure that they’re fresh, and when cleaning them, take your time to ensure that you remove the head, guts, and backbone correctly. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to cooking a delicious meal with cleaned anchovies.