Spicy and Sweet Braised Korean Chili Peppers with Anchovies
Simple and Quick Braised Korean Chili Peppers with Anchovies Recipe
Tired of just plain stir-fried anchovies? This recipe adds Korean chili peppers (gwari gochu) for a delightful texture and mild spiciness, perfectly complementing the savory anchovies. It’s a fantastic side dish that will have you reaching for extra rice!
Ingredients- 200g Korean chili peppers (Gwari Gochu), stems removed
- 150g medium-sized dried anchovies (for braising)
- 1 tsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim the stems off the Korean chili peppers. Wash them thoroughly under running water and then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Drying them well is important to prevent oil splattering when stir-frying and to ensure the sauce adheres better.
Step 2
Prepare the medium-sized dried anchovies for braising. If you prefer a less bitter taste, you can remove their heads and guts. Ensure the anchovies are crisp and suitable for stir-frying.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared Korean chili peppers and minced garlic. Stir-fry them together until the chili peppers soften slightly and become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Once the chili peppers are lightly stir-fried, add the prepared anchovies to the pan. Continue to stir-fry them together with the peppers. Gently toss with a spatula to prevent the anchovies from sticking and to enhance their savory flavor, removing any fishy smell.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the seasonings! Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder. Mix everything well with the spatula, ensuring the sauce coats the chili peppers and anchovies evenly. Braise over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. You can adjust the soy sauce to your preference, but taste as it cooks.
Step 6
Your delicious Braised Korean Chili Peppers with Anchovies are ready! They are incredibly tasty served over warm rice. Enjoy them as a side dish, or if you have leftovers, they make a wonderful topping for a rice bowl with a fried egg.
