Nutty & Spicy Gochujang Anchovy Stir-Fry with Cashews
A Deliciously Nutty and Not-Too-Salty Side Dish Made with My Favorite Gaeri Anchovies and Cashews
I absolutely adore Gaeri anchovies for stir-fries; they’re perfectly sized and have a mild, less salty taste that makes them incredibly delicious. The only drawback is their price, which sometimes makes me hesitate to buy them. When I buy other anchovies, they tend to be too salty, and I end up not eating them. So, this time, I splurged on some tasty anchovies! Anchovies that aren’t too salty are delicious with any seasoning, so I decided to make anchovy stir-fry with gochujang sauce, something I haven’t made in a while. My kids usually don’t go for gochujang-based dishes, so I was a bit hesitant, but I tried making it with just a small amount. To my surprise, my youngest son absolutely loved it, repeatedly saying how delicious it was! Moments like these fill a mom’s heart with joy. Perhaps it was the generous addition of cashews, which he loves? He really ate it up. This stir-fry has a flavor that makes it hard to stop after just one bite of your chopsticks! Enjoy this nutritious and tasty side dish, ‘Nutty Gochujang Anchovy Stir-Fry,’ made with healthy nuts. Stay healthy everyone! ♡
Main Ingredients- Gaeri anchovies, 1 handful (approx. 30g)
- Cashews, 1/2 handful (approx. 20g)
Seasoning Sauce- Coconut oil, 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tsp
- Mayonnaise, 1 tsp
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup), 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin), 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, a pinch
- Coconut oil, 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tsp
- Mayonnaise, 1 tsp
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup), 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin), 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the anchovies and cashews. For the anchovies, trim their fins and remove the innards. If any are large, cut them in half. Heat a dry pan over low heat. Add the anchovies and cashews and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes without oil. This step helps to remove any fishy smell and enhances their nutty flavor, making them crispier and less likely to crumble.
Step 2
Transfer the stir-fried anchovies and cashews to a plate lined with paper towels or a separate bowl. Let them cool slightly. This process absorbs any excess oil released during stir-frying, ensuring a cleaner final dish.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning sauce ingredients: coconut oil, gochujang, mayonnaise, sugar, oligosaccharide, and cooking wine. Mix well until smooth and no lumps remain. Adding a little mayonnaise helps to mellow the spiciness and adds a pleasant savory note, making it more palatable for children.
Step 4
Add the prepared anchovies and cashews to the seasoning sauce. Stir-fry over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the sauce coats the anchovies and nuts evenly. Be careful not to overcook or burn the sauce, as it can easily scorch over high heat. The goal is a glossy coating.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added aroma and give it a gentle toss. Plate the finished Nutty Gochujang Anchovy Stir-Fry attractively. It’s delicious served warm and even more chewy and flavorful once cooled. Enjoy this nutritious side dish that will surely complement your meals!