Simple & Savory Stir-Fried Dried Shrimp
The Easiest Side Dish Recipe: How to Make Delicious Stir-Fried Dried Shrimp with a Hint of Spice
When you’re in a pinch and need a quick side dish, this super simple stir-fried dried shrimp recipe is a lifesaver! We’ve created a delightful dish with a sweet and savory gochujang-based sauce, enhanced with finely chopped chili peppers for a pleasant kick and rich umami flavor. Using pre-cleaned dried shrimp (head-off variety) makes preparation a breeze – no need for extra steps! It’s incredibly easy and convenient. This recipe is perfect for packed lunches or as a staple side dish for your everyday meals. When your appetite is low, this spicy shrimp stir-fry alone is enough to make rice incredibly enjoyable. Since it takes very little time to prepare, even beginner cooks can easily whip up a delicious plate. Give it a try!
Main Ingredients- Dried Shrimp (head-off) 2 cups
- Cheongyang Pepper 1
- Cooking Oil 2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1/2 Tbsp
Seasoning Sauce- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (or Corn Syrup) 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (or Corn Syrup) 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1/2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For this recipe, we’re using pre-cleaned dried shrimp, also known as ‘head-off’ shrimp. Keeping a bag in the freezer is a great idea for making broths or quickly preparing side dishes when needed.
Step 2
Using shrimp without the heads and tails makes them easier and more pleasant to eat after stir-frying, as they won’t poke you in the mouth. They are also easier for children to enjoy.
Step 3
The Cheongyang pepper is optional but adds a lovely spicy note. Finely slicing one pepper will enhance the savory depth and overall flavor of the shrimp stir-fry. If you have a red chili pepper, adding that too will make the dish look even more appealing.
Step 4
Before cooking, lightly toast any dried shrimp or anchovies stored in the freezer in a dry pan for about 2 minutes. This step helps to remove any residual moisture and eliminate the characteristic fishy smell, ensuring a cleaner taste.
Step 5
You don’t need to stir-fry them for long; just about 1 to 2 minutes is enough to dry them out slightly and remove any odors.
Step 6
Transfer the toasted shrimp to a separate bowl. Then, use a kitchen towel to wipe away any small crumbs or residue left in the pan. This cleans the pan for the next steps.
Step 7
In a small mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients thoroughly. Add 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, and 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix well until there are no lumps.
Step 8
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in the cleaned pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the dried shrimp and begin to stir-fry.
Step 9
Stir-fry the shrimp for about 2 minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated with oil. This will make them crispy and enhance their texture.
Step 10
Push the stir-fried shrimp to one side of the pan to create space. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce into the empty space and let it simmer gently over low heat. Important tip: High heat will cause the sauce to burn quickly, so always use low heat when simmering the sauce.
Step 11
Once the sauce begins to bubble, mix it with the shrimp, stirring gently to ensure everything is well combined. This allows the sauce to coat the shrimp evenly.
Step 12
When the shrimp and sauce are thoroughly mixed, add the thinly sliced Cheongyang pepper and stir briefly. You’ll soon smell the appetizing spicy aroma.
Step 13
Turn off the heat. Drizzle in 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil and sprinkle 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds for a glossy finish. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and the crunch of sesame seeds will complete this delicious shrimp stir-fry.
