Crispy and Spicy Anchovy Stir-Fry
[Perfect Side Dish] Deliciously Salty and Spicy Stir-Fried Anchovies
When thinking of side dishes for rice, stir-fried anchovies (myeolchi bokkeum) is always one of the first to come to mind. With so many variations enjoyed over time, it can be puzzling to decide which recipe to try next. You’ll eventually discover a recipe that becomes your favorite! It’s a side dish that brings a sense of comfort and fullness to the table. While I’ve made stir-fried anchovies with medium-sized anchovies before, this time I tried it with small anchovies (janmyeolchi). I tend to prefer the small ones, so I bought some during my grocery shopping trip. These small anchovies, when stir-fried just right, are incredibly crispy and flavorful, making them an irresistible addition to any meal.
Main Ingredients- Small anchovies (janmyeolchi) 80g
- Green chili pepper 1 pc
Seasoning and Other Ingredients- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil 4 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp (1/2 Tbsp)
- Corn syrup or rice syrup 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1.5 Tbsp (1 Tbsp and a half)
- Mirin (rice wine) 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil 4 Tbsp
- Sugar 0.5 Tbsp (1/2 Tbsp)
- Corn syrup or rice syrup 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1.5 Tbsp (1 Tbsp and a half)
- Mirin (rice wine) 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 80g of small anchovies. Making a generous batch will provide you with a satisfying pantry staple.
Step 2
Place the small anchovies in a sieve and shake them thoroughly to remove any dust or small debris. This preparation step ensures a cleaner and more delicious final dish. You might be surprised by the amount of fine particles that come off, so be sure to shake them out meticulously.
Step 3
Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a preheated pan. Add the prepared small anchovies and stir-fry them as if deep-frying. Cooking over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, will enhance their crispiness and nutty flavor. This deep-frying method helps the anchovies retain their shape and texture, making them much tastier.
Step 4
Wash the green chili pepper, remove the stem, and mince it very finely. You should have about 1 tablespoon of minced chili pepper. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the quantity or add a little more.
Step 5
Transfer the crispy anchovies, which were stir-fried until almost deep-fried, to a separate plate to cool slightly. Then, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the same pan. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the minced green chili pepper and stir-fry together to release their aromas.
Step 6
Once you can smell the fragrant garlic and chili peppers, return the deep-fried anchovies to the pan. Gently stir-fry them together for a short while. It’s important to stir-fry gently to coat the anchovies evenly with the aromatics without breaking them.
Step 7
Now it’s time to add the delicious seasonings. Pour in 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 0.5 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup. Stir-fry quickly until all the ingredients are coated with the sauce. Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a perfect finish. Your crispy, savory, and slightly spicy stir-fried anchovies are now ready!
