Crispy Anchovy and Nut Stir-Fry
Make Savory Stir-Fried Anchovies Extra Delicious with Nuts
Crispy stir-fried anchovies made savory with the addition of nuts. This recipe guarantees a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that will make your meals more enjoyable. It’s a perfect side dish for rice or a great snack.
Ingredients- 100g small dried anchovies (silver-belly white bait), sifted to remove powder
- 1 cup mixed nuts (about 1/2 rice bowl’s volume using a paper cup)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or regular cooking oil)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp cooking wine (e.g., Mirin)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligodang)
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I find that using small dried anchovies (known as ‘janmyeolchi’ in Korean) makes for a much tastier and crispier stir-fry! They offer a wonderful texture and nutty flavor.
Step 2
Feel free to use any mixed nuts you have at home. One paper cup full, which is about half of a rice bowl, is a good starting point. If you love nuts, add more; if you prefer less, feel free to adjust the amount.
Step 3
First, place the small dried anchovies in a sieve and gently shake to remove any powdery residue. This step helps prevent them from burning and ensures a cleaner taste.
Step 4
Preheat a frying pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the anchovies to burn quickly.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir-fry the anchovies until they become crispy. It’s important to maintain a low to medium-low heat to prevent them from burning. Constant stirring is key!
Step 6
Start by stir-frying the anchovies without any oil for a minute or two to get rid of any fishy smell. Once they are lightly toasted, add the mixed nuts to the pan.
Step 7
Continue to stir-fry the nuts and anchovies over low heat for about 2-3 minutes until they are thoroughly crispy. Keep a close eye and stir constantly to ensure nothing burns. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch!
Step 8
Push the toasted anchovies and nuts to one side of the pan. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the empty space. Regular cooking oil can also be used here.
Step 9
While maintaining medium-low heat, stir everything together to coat the anchovies and nuts with the oil. This helps them absorb flavors more evenly.
Step 10
Now, let’s prepare the seasoning! In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of cooking wine, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, and 1.5 tablespoons of sugar. Mix them well beforehand. Having the sauce ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 11
Gently push the anchovy and nut mixture back to the sides of the pan. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the center of the pan and let it simmer for about 15 seconds until it starts to bubble.
Step 12
Once the sauce is bubbling, quickly toss everything together, incorporating the anchovies, nuts, and sauce. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the delicious glaze.
Step 13
Finally, turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a final burst of aroma and flavor. Your delicious and crispy anchovy and nut stir-fry is now ready!
