Nutty Anchovy Stir-Fry
Super Simple & Healthy Side Dish: Nutty Anchovy Stir-Fry (Lasts a Long Time!)
I love anchovy stir-fry, but I especially love the version my mom makes, loaded with nuts! It’s a richness and healthiness you can’t find elsewhere. My own nephew, ever since he started eating solids around 10 months, would only eat my mom’s anchovy stir-fry instead of regular ones. I’m sharing a healthy, super simple side dish that both kids and adults will love: Nutty Anchovy Stir-Fry!
Main Ingredients
- Anchovies (small or for broth) 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
- Cooking oil 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a preheated, dry pan, add about 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups) of cleaned anchovies. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes to remove any fishy smell. This step makes the anchovies crispier and enhances their nutty flavor.
Step 2
Push the stir-fried anchovies to one side of the pan. Add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil to the empty space and stir-fry the anchovies with the oil over medium-low heat. The oil coats the anchovies, giving them a glossy sheen and a nice golden-brown color, making them even more delicious.
Step 3
Add 1 handful each of pumpkin seeds, almonds, and pine nuts to the pan. Using roughly the same amount of nuts as anchovies will provide a satisfying texture and a boost of nutrition, making the dish even tastier. (Tip: To make the nuts even more fragrant, you can lightly toast them separately without oil.)
Step 4
Pour 2 Tbsp of soy sauce along the edges of the pan and quickly stir-fry it with the anchovies and nuts to coat evenly. Be careful not to let the soy sauce burn.
Step 5
Add 2 Tbsp of corn syrup to add sweetness and a glossy finish. Stir well to ensure the seasoning coats the anchovies and nuts evenly.
Step 6
Add another 2 Tbsp of sugar to adjust the sweetness. At this point, reduce the heat to very low or turn it off completely. Sugar can turn bitter if burned, so be cautious. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 7
Add 2 Tbsp of sesame seeds (ground) for extra nuttiness. If you prefer a milder version without spice, you can turn off the heat at this stage and consider it done. For children, you can omit the spicy green peppers or remove the seeds before chopping.
Step 8
If you want to add a touch of heat, finely chop 2 spicy green peppers and add them. To prevent the sauce from burning and to keep the ingredients moist, add about 1 Tbsp of water to the pan. Continue stir-frying over low heat for a short while until all the ingredients are well combined. Your delicious nutty anchovy stir-fry is ready!
