Savory Anchovy and Sweet Pepper Stir-fry: An Easy Side Dish
How to Make a Simple and Delicious Anchovy and Sweet Pepper Stir-fry
I had some prepared anchovies stored in my freezer, a gift from my mother-in-law. Today, I decided to transform them into a simple yet flavorful side dish by stir-frying them with sweet peppers. This dish is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick addition to your meals.
Main Ingredients- 100g dried anchovies, prepared (use for soup anchovies or small dried anchovies)
- 100g Korean sweet peppers (gwari-gochu)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking oil)
Seasoning Ingredients- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine (mirin)
- 2 tablespoons plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup (or rice syrup, honey)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine (mirin)
- 2 tablespoons plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup (or rice syrup, honey)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the anchovies. If your anchovies are large, remove their heads and guts. To reduce any bitterness, you can lightly toast them in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant. Be careful not to break them while toasting.
Step 2
Wash the fresh Korean sweet peppers thoroughly under running water. Removing the stems makes it easier for the seasoning to penetrate and for eating. Pat them dry.
Step 3
Cut the dried sweet peppers diagonally into bite-sized pieces or in half. Slice the garlic thinly. This preparation helps the ingredients absorb the sauce evenly during cooking.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce (4 Tbsp), cooking wine (2 Tbsp), and plum extract (2 Tbsp). Whisk well to create the seasoning sauce. Having the sauce pre-mixed makes the stir-frying process much smoother and quicker.
Step 5
Now, let’s begin the stir-frying. Preheat your pan over medium-low heat, then add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. You can substitute olive oil with regular cooking oil.
Step 6
Once the pan is hot, add the sliced garlic and stir-fry over medium heat. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes translucent and releases a gentle aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic; overcooking can lead to a bitter taste.
Step 7
When the garlic is fragrant, add the prepared anchovies to the pan and continue to stir-fry over medium heat. Cook until the anchovies become fragrant and slightly golden brown. This step enhances their nutty flavor.
Step 8
Once the anchovies are lightly fried, pour in the pre-mixed seasoning sauce. Stir quickly to coat the anchovies evenly and prevent the sauce from burning. Ensure the sauce is well distributed.
Step 9
After the sauce has coated the anchovies, add the sliced Korean sweet peppers. Stir-fry just until the peppers soften slightly, retaining some of their crispness. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become mushy.
Step 10
When the peppers are tender-crisp, add the corn syrup (or rice syrup, honey) (2 Tbsp) and mix well with the other ingredients. This adds a touch of sweetness and gloss, balancing the flavors. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything, then turn off the heat.
Step 11
Finally, with the heat off, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Adding sesame oil at the end preserves its rich aroma and flavor.
Step 12
Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor. This adds a delightful finishing touch.
Step 13
And there you have it! A delicious and easy Anchovy and Sweet Pepper Stir-fry. This dish is a perfect accompaniment to rice and is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your meal!
