#ewew's Crispy Ikan Bilis Secrets

Who doesn't like crunchy, crispy fried "ikan bilis" (dried anchovies), right? 

It's a simple and versatile dish that appeals to people of all ages.  It can be eaten (on its own) as a snack or cooked with onions as a dish (which children adore) or eaten as a condiment with "nasi lemak" or blitzed finely to be added to porridge (for toddlers).

And if you have a microwave oven in your kitchen, I have a simple tip to share with you on how to make crispy ikan bilis all the time...fast, easy and with very little washing up to do...yay!

Wash a handful of ikan bilis and drain (how much depends on the size of your container, just ensure it's in one layer).  Put it into a microwavable container (I use a Pyrex jug but please don't use plastic containers, even if it's microwave-safe).  Coat the ikan bilis with some oil and spread it out in one layer.  [#Tip: I would normally use about 1/2 tbsp oil for a handful of ikan bilis.  How much oil doesn't really matter as more oil...more crispy, less oil...more healthy---your choice!]

Once you have coated the ikan bilis in oil, make sure you spread them out in one layer (to ensure even browning) and cover loosely (to ensure steam/water vapour can escape). 

Microwave on High for 2 1/2 minutes (or until golden brown).  As all microwave ovens' temperature may differ, I suggest you start with 2 minutes on High and just keep adding 30 seconds until you find them golden brown to your liking.  [#Note: Even if you have more ikan bilis in a larger container, the timing should still be about the same (just ensure it is spread out in one layer), otherwise keep adding 30 seconds and check if they are done.] 

Once you find your 'right' timing for the amount of ikan bilis that you are making, stick to it and you can do a few small batches (like me) if you want more.

This is my 'Crispy Ikan Bilis Secret'...a 2 1/2 minutes fried ikan bilis (from a microwave oven) that comes out crispy and perfect all the time!

Serves 1 - 2.  Enjoy as a snack, added to your nasi lemak, eaten with your porridge, grinded for your baby's porridge....or whatever you want to eat it with!