Savory Soy Sauce Anchovy Stir-fry
Anchovy and Chili Stir-fry with Soy Sauce
This is a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with rice! I make it often because it keeps well and tastes delicious. While I usually make the red, spicy version, this time I tried a quick stir-fry using just a soy sauce-based seasoning. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that brings out the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the anchovies. The hint of spicy chili adds a delightful kick that appeals to both adults and children. Follow these easy steps for a perfect batch of anchovy stir-fry!
Main Ingredients
- 1 handful of prepared anchovies (small or medium size, approx. 50g)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper
- 1/2 red chili pepper
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Soy Sauce Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 tsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
- 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 tsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add rich flavor to your anchovy stir-fry. Thinly slice the whole garlic cloves into about 0.3cm thick pieces. Remove the seeds from the Cheongyang chili pepper and red chili pepper, then julienne them into fine strips about 0.5cm wide. Adjust the spiciness of the chili peppers to your preference.
Step 2
Now, let’s begin the stir-frying process. Heat a pan over medium heat and add cooking oil. Once the pan is warm, add the prepared anchovies. Spread them out evenly in the pan so they are in a single layer.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to stir-fry the anchovies. Be careful not to burn them. Cook until they lose their chewiness, become fragrant and nutty, and turn a crispy, golden brown color. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, so be patient.
Step 4
Once the anchovies are nicely browned, add the sliced garlic to the pan and stir-fry them together. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the garlic from burning, and cook until you can smell the fragrant garlic aroma.
Step 5
When the garlic starts to cook, add the julienned Cheongyang chili peppers and red chili peppers. Stir-fry them quickly over high heat just until they begin to soften slightly. Then, turn off the heat.
Step 6
Push the stir-fried anchovies and vegetables to one side of the pan. To prevent the seasoning from burning, add the regular soy sauce, soup soy sauce, corn syrup, and cooking wine to the empty side of the pan *after turning off the heat*. Mix them together briefly. (Crucially, ensure the heat is off when adding the seasoning to prevent splattering or burning. Then, turn the heat back on.)
Step 7
Turn the heat back on to medium-low. Gently toss and mix the ingredients with the seasoning until everything is evenly coated and glossy. Continue to stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the seasoning has well absorbed into the anchovies.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds over the stir-fried anchovies and mix well. Your delicious soy sauce anchovy stir-fry is now complete! It’s incredibly tasty served over warm rice. Instagram: @happy_oneul
