Delicious Stir-Fried Anchovies That Stay Soft
How to Make Soft and Delicious Stir-Fried Anchovies, Perfect for Refrigeration!
Were you frustrated by stir-fried anchovies turning hard after making them? Let me share a secret to making stir-fried anchovies that remain wonderfully soft and moist, even after being stored in the refrigerator! These anchovy stir-fries are a family favorite. Try this recipe and make a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with rice!
Ingredients- 140g dried anchovies (for soup, de-veined)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (sesame oil)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 140g of dried anchovies. Anchovies used for making broth are generally larger and offer a better texture than those specifically for stir-frying. Remove the fins and innards from the anchovies to eliminate any bitterness and enhance their flavor. Make sure to clean them thoroughly.
Step 2
Place the cleaned anchovies in a dry frying pan over medium-low heat without adding any oil. Roasting the anchovies beforehand helps to remove any fishy smell and brings out their nutty flavor. Stir continuously with a spatula to prevent them from burning.
Step 3
Once the anchovies are slightly warm to the touch, stop stir-frying. They should feel warm, but not hot. Overheating them at this stage can make them hard later on.
Step 4
Push the roasted anchovies to one side of the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the empty space. Now, stir-fry the anchovies in the oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. This oil coating helps to keep the anchovies moist.
Step 5
It’s time to add sweetness. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the pan. We’ll stir-fry it with the anchovies, allowing the sugar to melt and coat them.
Step 6
Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat until the sugar has mostly melted and coated the anchovies. The sugar will caramelize slightly, giving the anchovies a nice glaze. Keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 7
You’ll see that the sugar has mostly melted and coated the anchovies evenly. At this point, they are ready for the next step. Remember to manage the heat carefully to avoid burning the anchovies.
Step 8
Reduce the heat to very low, or turn it off completely, and then quickly stir in 3 tablespoons of corn syrup (or rice syrup). The corn syrup is the secret ingredient that makes the stir-fried anchovies glossy and wonderfully soft. It’s crucial to turn off the heat or keep it extremely low at this stage to prevent the anchovies from hardening.
Step 9
Using the residual heat of the pan, gently toss the anchovies to ensure they are well coated with the corn syrup. This final coating should make them nice and glossy.
Step 10
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil (or sesame oil). The nutty aroma of the perilla oil will further enhance the flavor of the stir-fried anchovies. Gently mix it in using the remaining heat.
Step 11
Sprinkle a generous pinch of sesame seeds over the top. This adds a final touch of nutty flavor and texture, making your delicious stir-fried anchovies complete and visually appealing.
Step 12
And there you have it – wonderfully moist and delicious stir-fried anchovies! They stay soft even when stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient and tasty side dish anytime. Enjoy with a warm bowl of rice!
