Crispy and Delicious Anchovy Stir-fry: The Ultimate Korean Side Dish
A Rice-Stealing Favorite for All Ages! Master the Art of Anchovy Stir-fry with This Foolproof Recipe!
This anchovy stir-fry boasts a perfectly balanced savory and sweet flavor that’s incredibly addictive. It’s an ideal side dish for everyday meals and a lunchbox essential. Infused with the aromatic punch of whole garlic and a hint of spice from chili peppers, this recipe ensures a deliciously crispy anchovy side that everyone will love.
Main Ingredients- 180g dried anchovies (for broth or small anchovies)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 red chili pepper (like Cheongyang chili)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your dried anchovies. You can use small anchovies or those intended for broth. To reduce any bitterness, you can lightly toast them in a pan to remove any fishy odor, or optionally remove their heads and intestines. Finely chop the red chili pepper for a touch of heat, and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté slowly until it turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step is crucial for developing a rich, nutty flavor in your anchovy stir-fry. Keep a close eye on the garlic to prevent scorching.
Step 3
Once the garlic is nicely browned, add the dried anchovies and the chopped red chili pepper to the pan. Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to lightly season the anchovies.
Step 4
Increase the heat to medium and stir-fry briskly for about 1-2 minutes. This ensures the soy sauce coats the anchovies evenly and the flavors meld together. Keep everything moving in the pan with chopsticks or a spatula.
Step 5
Continue to stir-fry until the anchovies are crisp and toasted, but not burnt. Once you can smell their toasty aroma and they appear dry, add 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide. This will add a lovely sweetness and a glossy coating to the anchovies.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle in a generous amount of sesame seeds and give everything a final quick stir to combine. Your delicious anchovy stir-fry is ready! It’s great served warm, but even better when it cools down, becoming extra crispy and flavorful.
