What are Boquerones?
Boquerones, or white anchovies, are a classic Spanish tapa of fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar, not to be confused with the deep fried variety. This dish is a cornerstone of Andalusian gastronomy and is prevalent in coastal areas like Malaga, where the Victoriano anchovy species is commonly used. Boquerones are first prepared by de-salting and then potentially vinegar-curing them, transforming the raw anchovies into a mild, tender fish with a clean tang that is worlds away from the salted anchovy fillets most are familiar with. The marination process also gives the fish an off-white look, making it a visually appealing tapa.
How to Make Boquerones
1. Ingredients
- 500 grams of fresh anchovies (preferably European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus)
- 250 ml of vinegar (white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar works best)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
2. Step-by-Step Preparation
Cleaning the Anchovies: Before marinating, the anchovies need to be cleaned. The first step is somewhat delicate: removing the head and guts since they are quite small. Rinse the fillets under cold water to remove any remaining blood or debris.
Marination Process: Marinate the cleaned anchovies in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and parsley. Let them marinate for at least six hours, but some recipes suggest marinating them overnight for optimal texture and flavor. The vinegar’s acidity not only tenderizes the fish but also turns it a pristine white.
3. Finishing Touches
Once the anchovies have marinated, drain them and place on a plate. Top it with a drizzle of herb and garlic-infused olive oil, or more chopped fresh garlic and parsley. Other versions, serve the boquerones with olives or roasted peppers and offer them over crusty bread.
Tips on Storage
Boquerones are famous for their freshness, but after that, you can store them and enjoy the pleasures over multiple days. This is a description of different flavors as well as safety and their storage:
Storage: Marinated anchovies, in an airtight container with olive oil, can be refrigerated. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Check that the anchovies are still neatly submerged in oil every so often to ensure they do not dry out.
Storage Freezing: Boquerones can be frozen for longer storage. However, do not add garlic and parsley until you are ready to cook them. It’s best to freeze them beforehand! After thawing, you can add the final ingredients, and they will taste as fresh without any decline.
Serving Suggestions
Boquerones are so versatile that there are different ways to eat them, each enhancing their flavors:
Boqueron on toast: One of the simplest, most customary ways to enjoy boquerones is over a generous slice of toasted bread drizzled with olive oil. This classic Spanish style lets the depth of the fish’s flavor come through.
With Tapas: For a larger meal, add boquerones to any tapas spread with patatas bravas (Spanish fried potatoes), olives, and chorizo. Their milder, tangy flavor pairs well with stronger, spicier side dishes.
With a Drink: Having boquerones with a cold beer or a dry white wine like Verdejo enhances the tapas experience. Alternatively, sip a cool glass of sparkling water with lemon to balance the dish’s acidity.
Boquerones Variations
Thus, we have prepared a few different versions of boquerones made in the traditional way by marinating them with vinegar.
White wine vinegar is wonderful, though it’s rather sharp (I say that without putting you off: I think acidic flavors can be some of the nicest there are) so instead, consider apple cider for something a touch mellower when using as a substitute. You could also test a combination of vinegar and almond oil to give it even more flavor.
Herb Substitutes: While I used parsley in this recipe, dill or cilantro will also work and provide a different flavor profile. Vegan option ~ vegan butter! The herbs give a fresh zing to the dish.
Garlic-Free Version: For a milder taste, you can use it without garlic or alter the flavor of this sauce by adding finely chopped shallots instead.
Tips for Making Perfect Boquerones
Here are some second-day style tips to make sure your Boquerones always come out perfectly.
Make sure you are using Fresh Anchovies: The secret to a great boquerones dish is the freshness of the anchovy itself. They taste so much better when they are local (as with most fish).
Patience with marination, the anchovies should sit in their marinade for at least six hours so they develop tenderness and flavor, as well. Doing this can make the jerky gristle. Store in the
Freeze for Safety: Reduce risk of microbes by storing your anchovies, marinating them at a minimum 48 hours and freeze. This eliminates any and all hazardous bacteria of anisakiasis.
Where to Buy
For U.S. residents interested in buying boquerones, several options are available both online and in specialty stores. Here are a few popular places where you can purchase boquerones:
1. Amazon
Amazon carries a variety of boquerones products from different brands. You can find pre-marinated white anchovies packed in olive oil or vinegar, often imported from Spain. Brands like Ortiz and Don Bocarte are common on the platform, known for their quality and freshness.
2. La Tienda
La Tienda is an online store specializing in Spanish foods and imports. They offer a range of authentic Spanish products, including boquerones. This is a good option if you’re looking for genuine, high-quality boquerones directly from Spain.
3. Gourmet Food Stores
Many gourmet and international food stores in larger cities stock boquerones. Stores like Whole Foods Market and Eataly often carry high-end Spanish ingredients, including anchovies in various forms.
4. Specialty Importers
You can also check with Spanish and Mediterranean specialty importers, such as Despaña in New York or Tiendas de España, which ship throughout the U.S. These shops focus on importing directly from Spain, ensuring the authenticity of the product.
5. Local Spanish Markets
If you’re near any Spanish or Mediterranean markets, it’s worth checking them out. These local shops often have fresh boquerones in their deli sections or sell them preserved in tins or jars.
The Bottom Line
Versatile and perfect to enjoy as an aperitif or during tapas time, boquerones are a favorite dish for many. Spread them on toast for a simple snack or as part of an extensive tapas feast, their mild brightness will impress. All that is needed to bring the taste of Spain into your home is a couple of ingredients and the know how to prepare boquerones. By mastering the simple techniques, you can ensure boquerones remain safe and just as flavorful, even weeks after making these amazing little fish.
