Alici Marinate Recipe: Authentic Italian Marinated Anchovies
A classic Italian dish, Alici Marinate features fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar, herbs, garlic, and olive oil for a light and flavorful antipasto.
Alici Marinate, or marinated anchovies, is a beloved Italian antipasto that celebrates fresh seafood with zesty, vibrant flavors. This traditional dish involves delicate fresh anchovies cured in white wine vinegar, layered with aromatic herbs, garlic, red pepper flakes, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Served chilled or at room temperature, these marinated anchovies are light, tangy, and packed with Mediterranean character. Perfect as part of an appetizer spread or paired with crusty bread and lemon wedges, Alici Marinate is a simple yet impressive recipe ideal for seafood lovers. Whether you're preparing a holiday feast or a summer gathering, this dish brings the taste of coastal Italy to your table.
Alici Marinate is a simple yet exquisite Italian dish that highlights the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. With its tangy vinegar cure, aromatic herbs, and the richness of olive oil, this recipe offers a perfect balance of taste and texture. Serve it as part of an elegant antipasto spread, or enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a light and satisfying appetizer. This authentic marinated anchovies recipe is sure to impress seafood enthusiasts and bring the flavors of Italy to your home.
Alici Marinate Recipe: Authentic Italian Marinated Anchovies
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh anchovies
2 cups white wine vinegar
2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons hot red pepper flakes
1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
4 garlic cloves, sliced paper-thin
2 tablespoons sea salt
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Anchovies
Using scissors, trim the fins off the anchovies.
With a sharp paring knife, slit each fish along the belly from head to tail. Remove the entrails, rinse well, and cut off the heads.
Carefully pull out the spines and pin bones, separating the two fillets. Rinse the fillets again under cold water.
In a deep oval dish, layer the fillets, sprinkling each layer with 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar.
Once all fillets are layered, pour the remaining vinegar over the fish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Step 2: Season and Cure the Anchovies
Remove the anchovies from the vinegar, rinse, and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Wash and dry the dish.
Arrange a single layer of anchovies in the dish and drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of oregano, pepper flakes, parsley, garlic slices, and sea salt.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining anchovies, seasoning each layer with oil, herbs, and spices.
Cover and return to the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours.
Step 3: Serve the Alici Marinate
Allow the anchovies to come to just below room temperature (about 58°F) before serving.
Remove the anchovies from the oil and plate with lemon wedges if desired. Serve with crusty bread or as part of an antipasto platter.