Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Dried Anchovies with Korean Green Peppers: A Delicious Side Dish Recipe
Simple Recipe for Stir-Fried Dried Anchovies with Korean Green Peppers
A perfect harmony of crispy Korean green peppers and savory dried anchovies! This stir-fried side dish, seasoned with a spicy and sweet glaze, is a true rice thief. Here’s a recipe that will make your mealtime complete with this simple yet deeply flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients- 4 handfuls of dried anchovies for stir-frying (approx. 80-100g)
- 25-30 Korean green peppers
- 6-7 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced (or 1 Tbsp minced garlic)
Seasoning Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 4 handfuls of dried anchovies suitable for stir-frying. If the anchovies are too large, they might impart a bitter taste, so choosing medium-sized ones is recommended. If there are any fine scales or bones, removing them will result in a cleaner dish.
Step 2
Place the dried anchovies in a wide pan and toast them over low heat for about 1 minute. This step helps to eliminate any fishy smell and enhance their nutty flavor. After 1 minute, add a little cooking oil (like vegetable or perilla oil) and continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat until the anchovies turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them, as this will preserve their crispiness.
Step 3
Wash the fresh Korean green peppers thoroughly and prepare them. Remove the stems and trim any unsightly parts as needed.
Step 4
Gently pat the washed Korean green peppers dry with a paper towel. Trim the stem ends. Then, cut the peppers into 2-3 cm pieces using scissors or a knife. It’s best to remove the stem end as it can sometimes be bitter or tough.
Step 5
When cutting the Korean green peppers, it’s better to slice them diagonally at about a 45-degree angle rather than straight across. This allows the seasoning to penetrate better and results in a more pleasant texture when cooked. It also increases the surface area for the sauce to coat evenly.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce. In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. This will be the base of your sauce.
Step 7
Add 3 tablespoons of oligosaccharide for sweetness. Oligosaccharide adds a glossy finish and enhances the savory flavor. You can also use corn syrup if preferred.
Step 8
If you don’t have pre-sliced garlic, you can thinly slice 6-7 cloves of whole garlic or mince them. Sliced garlic adds a fragrant aroma and a pleasant chewy texture when stir-fried.
Step 9
Temporarily remove the stir-fried anchovies to a separate bowl. Add a little cooking oil to the pan and sauté the sliced garlic over low heat until the garlic fragrance is released. Be careful not to burn the garlic; slow sautéing will deepen its flavor.
Step 10
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the prepared Korean green peppers to the pan and stir-fry them together. Cook until the peppers soften slightly and lose some of their crispness. It’s best to cook over medium heat rather than high heat to prevent the peppers from becoming too mushy.
Step 11
When the Korean green peppers have softened a bit, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil into the pan to add a nutty aroma. Adding sesame oil towards the end of cooking preserves its fragrance and flavor.
Step 12
Add the pre-fried anchovies back into the pan. Stir everything together with the peppers and sauce, and stir-fry for another minute or two until well combined. Be careful not to overcook the anchovies, as they can become tough. The goal is to let the flavors meld.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the dish just before serving. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal. Gently toss to combine.
Step 14
Your delicious stir-fried dried anchovies with Korean green peppers are ready! Serve it over warm rice for a meal that’s sure to disappear quickly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
