How to Make Crunchy Anchovies in the Microwave Oven

Do you know you can make crunchy ikan bilis in the microwave oven without using any oil?

Fried anchovies or ikan bilis is a favourite addition or side dish to many Asian dishes. Crunchy ikan bills is a must-have ingredient in our local nasi lemak whilst fried ikan bilis is a popular addition to sambals and all sorts of dishes in Malay cooking. Even local pubs favour ikan bilis in their menus in the form of sausage slices, fried ikan bilis and onion (sometimes spicy with the addition of sambal).

With trend leaning towards less oily ways of cooking here’s a method to make crunchy ikon bilis without a single drop of oil:


Method:

1. Wash ikan bilis.
2. Place ikan bilis on a microwave-safe plate. The ikan bilis may be packed close together on the plate but should preferably be in a single layer.
3. Cook on Micro Power HIGH for 3-10 minutes, stirring every 1 minute. The length of time required to cook the ikan bilis depends on the quantity being done.