American Vinegar Works White Anchovies Tapas
White anchovies can be found as tapas throughout Mediterranean Europe. This fast and tasty starter or snack is a great introduction to the less ‘fishy’ preparation of the anchovy. Unlike tinned anchovies, which are cured in salt, white anchovies are marinated in vinegar and oil and only slightly salted.
You will find white anchovies in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets or gourmet shops along with smoked salmon. They are particularly common in shops that carry Spanish, Portuguese or Italian products and come in vacuum sealed trays that require refrigeration but last a long time sealed.
This recipe is more of a preparation guide and can be scaled up as needed. It comes together in about 5 minutes, 10 if you grill some bread or make crostini.
This recipe features our Pink Pacific Rose Wine Vinegar, opens in a new tab and our AVW Extra Virgin Olive Oil .
Which vinegar to use, and why
Cured anchovy and sherry vinegar is a Spanish pairing for a reason. The nuttiness meets the salt rather than fighting it. We use American Barrel California Sherry Vinegar here. It is slow-fermented and aged in oak at our mill in Worcester, Massachusetts, which is why it seasons the dish rather than just souring it.
Make it ahead and keep it
Dress shortly before serving so the fish keeps its texture.
What to cook next
Try Spanish Tapas Bar Salad, or browse all our vinegar recipes. If you have not cooked with craft vinegar before, a mini bottle sampler set lets you taste across the range before committing to a full-size bottle. Orders over $85 ship free within the contiguous US.
