Crispy Anchovy and Almond Stir-Fry: A Delicious Side Dish
Savory Anchovy and Almond Stir-Fry: Your New Favorite Rice Companion!
Enjoy a simple yet incredibly flavorful anchovy and almond stir-fry, a staple side dish for any meal. The delightful crunch of anchovies paired with the nutty aroma of almonds creates a perfect harmony that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This easy recipe is a must-try for a quick and delicious addition to your table!
Main Ingredients
- 100g dried anchovies (small size)
- 50g almonds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by toasting the almonds to bring out their rich, nutty flavor. Heat a dry frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the almonds and toast them gently without any oil, stirring occasionally.
Step 2
Continue toasting until the almonds become fragrant and turn a light golden brown. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the pan and set them aside on a plate. They will be added back later.
Step 3
Wipe the frying pan clean with a paper towel. This step removes any residual oil from the almonds, ensuring a cleaner flavor for the anchovies and preventing any bitterness.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the anchovies. Place the dried anchovies into the same dry, medium-low heated pan. Stir-fry them until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. This process helps to reduce any fishy smell and makes them extra crispy.
Step 5
Once the anchovies are toasted, place them in a sieve and gently shake to remove any fine dust or broken pieces. This ensures a cleaner texture and better adherence of the sauce.
Step 6
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce (1 tsp), cooking wine (2 Tbsp), and sugar (0.5-1 Tbsp). Whisk well until the sugar is dissolved. We’ll add the corn syrup later for gloss and sweetness, so it’s not included in this initial sauce mixture.
Step 7
Heat the cooking oil (3 Tbsp) in the frying pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the dish bitter.
Step 8
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the toasted anchovies to the pan. Stir-fry them, coating each anchovy with the garlic-infused oil. This step infuses the anchovies with a savory garlic flavor.
Step 9
Add the toasted almonds to the pan with the anchovies. Continue to stir-fry, ensuring both the anchovies and almonds are well-coated with the garlic oil.
Step 10
Give the prepared soy sauce mixture a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir-fry, allowing the sauce to coat the ingredients evenly. Keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 11
When the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the ingredients well, turn off the heat. Immediately stir in the corn syrup (2 Tbsp). The residual heat will help it blend smoothly, adding a beautiful gloss and balanced sweetness.
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. Gently rub the sesame seeds between your palms before sprinkling to release more of their aromatic oils.
Step 13
And there you have it! Your delicious anchovy and almond stir-fry is ready. Serve it with warm rice for a delightful and satisfying meal. Enjoy your cooking! ^^
