Crispy Stir-Fried Anchovies with Korean Green Peppers (Ggori Peppers)
Savory & Salty Side Dish: Easy Homemade Ggori Pepper and Anchovy Stir-Fry
Make a delicious side dish for both children and adults! This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of small anchovies with the tender chewiness of Korean green peppers, all coated in a perfectly balanced savory sauce. It’s a classic Korean banchan (side dish) that’s incredibly addictive and pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steamed rice. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients- 1 handful small dried anchovies (about 50g)
- 1 handful Korean green peppers (Ggori peppers, about 100g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1/2 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (Oligodang)
- Vegetable oil, as needed
- Sesame oil, a drizzle
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, lightly rinse the small dried anchovies under cold water and drain them thoroughly. Place them in a dry pan over medium-low heat and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to remove any fishy smell and excess moisture, ensuring a crispier texture.
Step 2
Wash the fresh Korean green peppers, remove their stems, and then cut them in half. Cutting them into halves allows the sauce to penetrate better, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Finely mince the 2 cloves of garlic. (Tip: For a spicier kick, you can substitute some or all of the green peppers with regular green chilies.)
Step 3
Heat a pan with a generous amount of vegetable oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will affect the overall flavor.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the halved Korean green peppers to the pan. Stir-fry them for about 1 minute, as if coating them with oil. Then, add the soy sauce, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir-fry quickly until the peppers are coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the seasonings gradually while stirring to prevent burning.
Step 5
Add the pre-stir-fried anchovies (cooled slightly) back into the pan. Gently toss everything together to ensure the sauce, peppers, and anchovies are well combined. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the anchovies.
Step 6
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in some sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor. This finishing touch enhances the depth of the dish. Once cooled, store the stir-fry in an airtight container to enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.
