Crispy Stir-Fried Anchovies: The Ultimate Rice Topping & Snack!
Delicious and Crispy Stir-Fried Anchovies Recipe
Enjoy a bowl of rice in no time when you have no appetite! These stir-fried anchovies, with their irresistible salty and sweet flavor, are a beloved staple for everyone, young and old. They make a perfect side dish for rice and are also an excellent accompaniment to drinks. If you’re making them for children, simply omit the chili peppers for a worry-free, tasty snack! Try making these simple yet deeply flavorful stir-fried anchovies at home!
Main Ingredients- 2 cups small or medium anchovies (sifted to remove debris)
- 1 red chili pepper (seeds removed, thinly sliced)
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (seeds removed, thinly sliced, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce (for umami boost!)
- 3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing aroma)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce (for umami boost!)
- 3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To reduce any fishy odor and remove impurities, lightly rinse the anchovies under cold running water. After rinsing, drain them in a colander and gently tap the bottom of the colander with your palms to remove as much excess water as possible. Draining them well ensures they become crispy and not soggy when stir-fried.
Step 2
While the anchovies are draining, prepare the chilies and nuts. Remove the stems from the red and Korean green chili peppers, thoroughly remove the seeds, and thinly slice them. Prepare your mixed nuts by chopping them into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Nuts add a lovely nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Step 3
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the drained anchovies and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial for drying out the anchovies, making them crispy, and eliminating any remaining fishy smell. Keep the pan moving or stir the anchovies occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 4
Once the anchovies have dried out sufficiently, turn off the heat temporarily and create an empty space in the center of the pan. Add 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 3 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup into the cleared space. The residual heat from the pan will cause the sauce to bubble and coat the anchovies beautifully. Once the sauce starts bubbling, mix it thoroughly with the anchovies.
Step 5
Now, add the sliced chilies and prepared nuts to the pan. Turn the heat back on to low and stir-fry briefly for about 1-2 minutes. This allows the chilies to retain some of their crispness and the nuts to become fragrant, combining with the anchovies. Be careful not to overcook, as the chilies can become mushy.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle in 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds and drizzle with 1 tsp of sesame oil. Give everything a final gentle toss to finish. The nutty aroma of sesame and the fragrance of sesame oil will enhance the flavor. Serve this delicious stir-fried anchovy dish piled on top of warm rice!
