Crispy and Savory Stir-fried Anchovies (Myulchi Bokkeum)
The Ultimate Anchovy Stir-fry Recipe: A Calcium Powerhouse!
Doesn’t it feel so rewarding to make a few side dishes when you have some free time? These stir-fried anchovies are incredibly addictive with their crispy, just-fried texture, savory flavor, and delightful sweetness – they truly are a ‘rice thief’! My children absolutely love this calcium-rich anchovy dish! ㅋㅋ
Main Ingredients
- 100g small anchovies (use smaller, less bony anchovies for stir-frying)
- 2 walnuts (broken into large pieces)
- 10 peanuts (shelled)
Seasoning
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (using Korean rice spoon)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (for shine and sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference)
- 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp water (to prevent sticking)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (using Korean rice spoon)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (for shine and sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to your preference)
- 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp water (to prevent sticking)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the small anchovies suitable for stir-frying. (Smaller, softer anchovies are tastier for stir-frying than those used for broth.)
Step 2
Heat a dry pan over medium heat and stir-fry the anchovies without any oil. This process removes any fishy odor and helps make the anchovies extra crispy and savory.
Step 3
Once the anchovies are crispy, transfer them to a fine-mesh sieve and gently shake off any powder. This step ensures a cleaner final dish and removes any potential bitterness.
Step 4
To make it easier for children to eat, finely chop the walnuts and peanuts. Be careful not to chop them too finely, as they might burn during cooking.
Step 5
In a small pot or pan, combine 1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce. Bring to a boil over medium heat to create the sauce. For a darker color, you can add a little brown rice syrup or a bit more soy sauce, but always taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
Step 6
Once the sauce is simmering, add the chopped walnuts and peanuts. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the nuts to absorb the sauce slightly.
Step 7
Now, add the pre-fried crispy anchovies to the pan with the sauce and nuts.
Step 8
Continue to stir-fry over medium heat, gently tossing the anchovies and nuts with a spatula to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1/3 Tbsp of sesame oil and give it a final quick mix. This creates a wonderfully savory anchovy stir-fry! If the anchovies turn out too hard, add a splash more water and stir-fry for just a moment longer. This will result in anchovies that are not hard but are deliciously savory and sweet, making them perfect for kids. This method ensures even picky eaters will enjoy them.
Step 9
If your children are hesitant about eating nuts, you can finely grind the nuts in a blender or mortar and add them with the sauce. Their savory flavor will make them much more palatable! This dish makes an excellent side dish to accompany morning meals like porridge or rice soup.
