Go Back
Print
spicy, anchovies, sambal, srilankan-recipe, fish, deepfried-anchovies, onion-sambal

Spicy Anchovies Sambal - Srilankan Recipe

This Srilankan style sambal is made with deep-fried crunchy anchovies. These little fishes are combined with onions and spicy seasonings to enhance the flavour even more. Easy to follow recipe..try it yourself!
Course Sambal, Side Dish
Keyword chewy-fish, crunchy, deep-fried, dried-anchovies, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Deep-fry 10 minutes
Servings 3 - 4 Servings
Author Fazna Irfan

Ingredients

  • 2-3 tbsp Olive oil
  • few Curry leaves
  • 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 Dried red chili pepper sliced
  • 1/2 tsp Ginger minced
  • 1 Garlic clove minced
  • 1 large Onion sliced thin
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1.5 tbsp Chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or as need
  • 1-2 green chili sliced
  • 150 g Dried anchovies head removed

Instructions

  1. Start by deep frying the dried anchovies first. Fry until it is light brown in colour or until well done if you prefer. When it is done set it aside and start making the onion sambal next.
  2. On medium/high heat, use a non-stick pan to heat the oil. Add the curry leaves, mustard seeds, and the dried red chili pepper.
  3. When the ingredients start to sizzle, add minced ginger and garlic, sliced onions, turmeric powder, chili flakes, and salt as needed.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium, combine all the ingredients well together and let the onions cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir often to avoid sticking.

  5. If in case, the ingredients start to stick to the bottom of the pot or the onions look too dry, add 1/2 tbsp more oil. Reduce the heat if necessary.

  6. When the onions are done and soft. Throw in the green chili slices and the deep-fried anchovies. Give it a good mix and let it cook for another 3-5 more minutes. Turn off the stove and plate it to serve.