Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by All Things Food on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 18 min
Cost: $6.94 total, $1.74 per serving
Ingredients
- 30 g Tinned Anchovies in Oil (drained, bones removed if present)
- 100 g Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 4 slices Sourdough Bread (thick‑cut, preferably day‑old)
Instructions
Prepare Anchovies
Open the tin, drain the oil, and place the anchovies in a small mixing bowl. Use a fork or masher to break them into a smooth paste.
Time: PT2M
Add Soft Butter
Add the softened butter to the anchovy paste (ratio about 3 parts butter to 1 part anchovies). Mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
Time: PT3M
Season
Stir in a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust pepper if desired; no extra salt is needed because anchovies are already salty.
Time: PT1M
Chill Briefly (Optional)
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 minutes to let the butter firm slightly, making it easier to spread.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 4°C
Toast Sourdough & Serve
Toast the sourdough slices until golden and crisp. Spread a generous layer of anchovy butter on each slice and serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Keto‑friendly (if served without bread)
Allergens: Dairy, Fish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tinned Anchovies in Oil: Anchovy paste, Canned sardines, Capers
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (for dairy-free), Plant‑based butter
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Sourdough Bread: Artisan rye, Whole‑grain baguette
Equipment Needed
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Fork or Potato Masher
- Spatula or Butter Knife
- Toaster or Grill Pan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Prepare Anchovies
- Add Soft Butter
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality, melt‑in‑your‑mouth European butter for a richer mouthfeel.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the briny butter without adding extra salt.
Troubleshooting
Butter is too hard to spread
Let the butter sit at room temperature for 5‑10 minutes or gently warm it in the microwave for 5 seconds.
Anchovy pieces remain chunky
Mash more thoroughly with a fork or pulse briefly in a food processor.
Too salty
Add a little extra unsalted butter to balance the salt, or use a lower‑sodium anchovy brand.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the anchovy butter in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a small portioned container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy content.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the anchovy butter up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated; bring to room temperature before spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of anchovy butter in Mediterranean cuisine?
Anchovy butter, or "burro di acciughe," has long been used in coastal Mediterranean regions as a quick way to add umami and salty depth to simple breads and grilled fish, reflecting the historic reliance on preserved fish for flavor.
What are traditional regional variations of anchovy butter in Italy?
In Liguria, anchovies are often blended with olive oil and lemon zest; in Sicily, they may be mixed with capers and a touch of chili. Each variation highlights local ingredients while keeping the buttery base.
How is anchovy butter traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is typically spread on toasted rustic breads, used as a topping for grilled fish, or stirred into warm pasta sauces to finish the dish with a salty, buttery sheen.
During what celebrations or meals is anchovy butter commonly enjoyed in Mediterranean culture?
Anchovy butter appears on antipasto platters during family gatherings, on holiday feasts, and as a quick snack with wine during summer evenings by the sea.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional anchovy butter versus common substitutes?
Authentic anchovy butter uses high‑quality tinned anchovies in oil, unsalted European butter, and freshly ground black pepper. Substitutes can include anchovy paste, canned sardines, or capers for a similar salty punch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making anchovy butter at home?
Common errors include using melted butter (which creates a greasy texture), over‑salting (anchovies are already salty), and not mashing the anchovies into a fine paste, resulting in a gritty spread.
Why does this anchovy butter recipe use a 3:1 butter‑to‑anchovy ratio instead of more anchovies?
A 3:1 ratio balances the intense saltiness of anchovies with the creamy richness of butter, creating a spread that’s flavorful but not overwhelmingly briny.
Can I make anchovy butter ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before spreading for best texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the anchovy butter is done?
The butter should be smooth, glossy, and uniformly pale with specks of anchovy visible; there should be no gritty chunks or separated oil.
How do I know when the sourdough toast is ready for the anchovy butter?
The sourdough should be golden‑brown and crisp on the edges; when you press lightly, it should give a slight snap, indicating it’s hot enough for the butter to melt slightly.
What does the YouTube channel All Things Food specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Things Food specializes in quick, practical home‑cooking tutorials that focus on flavor‑boosting techniques, pantry staples, and approachable recipes from around the world.
How does the YouTube channel All Things Food's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
All Things Food emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven shortcuts—like using anchovy butter as a universal umami enhancer—while other channels may rely on more elaborate preparations or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
