Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Anchovies with Korean Hot Peppers
Easy and Delicious Recipe for Stir-Fried Anchovies with Korean Hot Peppers
Introducing a beloved Korean side dish that you’ll always want to reach for. The fantastic combination of savory anchovies and crisp Korean hot peppers will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time! Make this delicious side dish, loved by all ages, conveniently at home.
Main Ingredients
- 150g small anchovies (remove heads and innards for a cleaner taste)
- 150g Korean hot peppers (approx. 15-20 peppers)
- 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc., to your preference)
- Cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Seasoning and Pickling
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for pickling the peppers)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for pickling the peppers)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean hot peppers, remove the stems, and slice them in half lengthwise. In a bowl, combine the peppers with 1/2 Tbsp salt and gently mix. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to lightly pickle. This step reduces any bitterness and enhances their crisp texture.
Step 2
Rinse the pickled peppers under running water and gently squeeze out excess moisture. Next, heat 1-2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over high heat and quickly stir-fry the peppers for about 3 minutes. Coating them lightly with oil will make them even more delicious.
Step 3
Transfer the stir-fried peppers to a separate plate and let them cool completely. This ensures they remain crisp and don’t become mushy when stir-fried later.
Step 4
Peel the garlic cloves and thinly slice them into rounds.
Step 5
Place the anchovies in a dry pan over low heat and toast them for 1-2 minutes to remove any fishy smell and moisture. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
Step 6
Pour the toasted anchovies through a sieve and gently shake to remove any crumbs or dust for a cleaner finished dish.
Step 7
In a small bowl, combine the All-purpose Soy Sauce, Mirin, water, corn syrup, black pepper, and herbal extract. Mix well to create the sauce. Having the sauce pre-mixed ensures even seasoning during cooking.
Step 8
Heat a clean pan with a generous amount of cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, infusing the oil with garlic flavor. Once fragrant, add the prepared anchovies and stir-fry briefly. Pour in the pre-made sauce and continue to stir-fry until the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the anchovies are well-coated. It’s crucial to cook until most of the moisture is gone.
Step 9
When the anchovies and sauce have thickened, add the prepared nuts. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Be careful not to overcook the nuts, as they can burn easily.
Step 10
Turn off the heat. Add the cooled Korean hot peppers to the pan. Drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 11
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and gently toss to ensure the sauce evenly coats everything. Be careful not to break the peppers while mixing.
Step 12
Transfer the delicious stir-fried anchovies and peppers to a serving dish. This classic side dish is great to enjoy immediately, but it tastes even better after resting for a day, allowing the flavors to meld further.
