Crispy and Savory Stir-Fried Anchovies (Jjanmyeolchi Bokkeum)
The National Side Dish: Stir-Fried Anchovies (Jjanmyeolchi Bokkeum) – A Harmony of Crispiness and Rich Flavor
A beloved side dish for all ages, crispy and savory stir-fried anchovies make for an excellent addition to any meal. Using small but nutrient-rich anchovies (sejiri myeolchi), this recipe delivers both health and taste. It’s a guaranteed rice-thief!
Main Ingredients- Small anchovies (sejiri myeolchi) 1 bowl (approx. 50g)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 6 whole cloves garlic
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 green chili pepper (jalapeno or similar)
- 1/3 bowl mixed nuts (e.g., sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, walnuts)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (adjust to taste)
- A little sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (adjust to taste)
- A little sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The anchovies we are using today are ‘sejiri myeolchi’. They are slightly smaller than regular small anchovies but have a wonderfully nutty flavor that’s perfect for stir-frying.
Step 2
Place the small anchovies in a sieve and gently shake them to remove any dust or small fragments. Since the anchovies are very small, it’s good to check them thoroughly.
Step 3
Add the prepared small anchovies to a preheated pan.
Step 4
Stir-fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a spatula to prevent burning. This step helps to eliminate any fishy smell and removes moisture, making the anchovies crispier.
Step 5
After stir-frying, sift the anchovies again through a sieve and shake them well to remove any residual powder. You’ll notice quite a bit of anchovy powder comes off after cooking.
Step 6
Thinly slice the whole garlic cloves into pieces. The garlic aroma will enhance the flavor of the stir-fry.
Step 7
Cut the red and green chili peppers in half, remove the seeds, and then thinly slice them into strips. The mild spiciness from the peppers adds a savory depth to the dish.
Step 8
In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Mix well to create the seasoning sauce. Preparing the sauce in advance makes the stir-frying process smoother.
Step 9
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in the pan over medium heat. Once the garlic aroma starts to rise, it’s ready for the anchovies.
Step 10
Add the prepared small anchovies to the pan.
Step 11
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the pre-made seasoning sauce. Stir-fry quickly using two spatulas to ensure the sauce coats the anchovies evenly and to prevent burning. The anchovies will start to glisten as they absorb the sauce.
Step 12
Add the mixed nuts and stir-fry together. Feel free to use whatever nuts you have in your refrigerator; sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts work well. This adds extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 13
Add the sliced red and green chili peppers and stir-fry for a moment longer until everything is well combined. The dish will gain beautiful color and a fragrant spicy aroma.
Step 14
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of corn syrup and a little sesame oil. If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to increase the amount of corn syrup to your liking. For optimal crispiness, the total stir-frying time for the anchovies should be under 5 minutes.
Step 15
Turn off the heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and toss to combine evenly. A little black pepper, if desired, will add an extra layer of flavor.
Step 16
Your delicious, crispy, savory, and flavorful stir-fried anchovies are ready! Enjoy this satisfying side dish that will make your mealtime complete.
