Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Korean Green Peppers with Anchovies
Make a Flavorful Side Dish: Seasonal Korean Green Pepper and Anchovy Stir-Fry Recipe
We’ve made a delicious stir-fry with Korean green peppers and anchovies, packed with umami. This dish is a real rice thief – try making it yourself!
Ingredients for Korean Green Pepper and Anchovy Stir-Fry
- 300g Korean green peppers (Cheong-gochu), about 1.5 cups
- 30g dried anchovies for broth (remove heads and guts)
- 200ml water (about 1 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully remove the fins and guts from the dried anchovies. This step helps reduce any bitterness and results in a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
Heat a dry pan (no oil added) over low heat. Add the prepared anchovies and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they become crisp and their fishy smell dissipates, enhancing their flavor.
Step 3
Transfer the stir-fried anchovies to a separate bowl to cool slightly. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel to remove any small anchovy bits or residue.
Step 4
Wash the fresh Korean green peppers thoroughly, removing their stems. Pat them dry. Keeping their shape intact will make the final dish look more appealing.
Step 5
In the cleaned pan, add the dried Korean green peppers and the stir-fried anchovies.
Step 6
Now, let’s add the sauce ingredients. Pour in 3 Tbsp soup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 200ml water. Add just enough water so the peppers are almost submerged.
Step 7
Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. This will slightly cook the green peppers while keeping them pleasantly crisp.
Step 8
Remove the lid and stir the peppers and anchovies to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to begin coating the ingredients.
Step 9
Once again, cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and absorb the flavors fully. This ensures a tender texture without losing all crispness.
Step 10
Uncover the pan and add 0.5 Tbsp of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and 1 Tbsp of honey (or corn syrup) for sweetness and a glossy finish.
Step 11
Finally, with the lid off, increase the heat to medium for 1-2 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate, making the mixture slightly drier. Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a fragrant and delicious finish. Your Korean Green Pepper and Anchovy Stir-fry is ready!
