Soft Stir-Fried Anchovies (For Rice Balls)
Non-Crispy Stir-Fried Anchovies: Perfect for Rice Ball Fillings! Great for a Quick Breakfast Too
Even in our home where we don’t eat many side dishes, stir-fried anchovies are a staple we always keep stocked. Instead of making them crispy, we prepare them with a soft texture, making them perfect for generously filling kid-favorite rice balls. They’re also great mixed with rice for kimbap rolls or as anchovy rice balls when you’re having meat. You can create a wonderful side dish simply with anchovies.
Ingredients
- 100g small anchovies (set myeolchi)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Making anchovies in a bite-sized, kid-friendly manner increases their versatility. My child eats them very well when mixed with rice for mini kimbap, and on days we have beef, I can easily make rice balls with just anchovies and seaweed flakes for a satisfying meal.
Step 2
Spread the anchovies on a sieve and gently shake them by hand to remove any dust or small fragments. This helps reduce any bitterness and results in a cleaner taste.
Step 3
Lightly heat a dry pan over low heat, then add the sifted anchovies and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes over low heat. This process removes any fishy odor from the anchovies and helps them absorb the seasoning better later on.
Step 4
Transfer the stir-fried anchovies back to the sieve and gently shake off any crumbs or dust that may have formed during cooking. This step further refines the anchovies.
Step 5
Wipe the anchovy pan clean with a paper towel. Then, add a drizzle of cooking oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (like mirin) to the pan. Mix them well over low heat to create the seasoning base. Mayonnaise helps make the anchovies soft and adds a savory flavor.
Step 6
Add the stir-fried anchovies to the prepared seasoning base and gently stir-fry over low heat, ensuring the seasoning coats the anchovies evenly. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent burning.
Step 7
As the anchovies begin to glisten from the seasoning, taste and add about 0.5 teaspoon of salt if needed to adjust the flavor. This step is optional, as the anchovies’ natural saltiness might be sufficient.
Step 8
Be careful not to overcook the anchovies, as they can become hard. The key to a soft texture is to cook them just until the seasoning is adequately absorbed. Right before turning off the heat, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil for added aroma.
Step 9
Turn off the heat completely, then drizzle with about a tablespoon of corn syrup (or rice syrup) and mix well. Corn syrup adds a subtle sweetness and a glossy finish. Mix using the residual heat of the pan.
Step 10
Thus, a delicious batch of stir-fried anchovies, perfect for rice balls and made with just anchovies, is complete. Their soft texture is easy for children to enjoy.
Step 11
These finished stir-fried anchovies are a great side dish for rice and are perfect for snacking on by the spoonful. They are always delicious!
Step 12
When making mini kimbap, mixing these stir-fried anchovies with rice and rolling them makes me feel proud as a parent, knowing my child is getting nutrition without being picky.
Step 13
When having a hearty meat meal or preparing a simple breakfast for the kids, anchovy rice balls are the best choice. They provide quick and tasty satisfaction.
Step 14
Making a large batch of these anchovy rice ball additions ensures you always have a ready supply for convenience! Adding sliced almonds or other nuts when stir-frying the anchovies makes them even nuttier and more nutritious. I didn’t have any nuts on hand this time, so I skipped them, but next time I plan to add them to boost the nutritional value.
Step 15
How about making delicious meals today with these soft, versatile stir-fried anchovies that are great to have on hand?
