Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Vines with Anchovies: A Delicious Side Dish!
Sumi’s Side Dish Style! Enhancing Flavor with Anchovies: Sweet & Savory Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Stems Recipe
I saw a sweet potato vine stir-fry with anchovies on the TV show ‘Sumi’s Side Dish’ and was inspired to make it with ingredients I had at home. It turns out you don’t need special ingredients or complex cooking methods to achieve such a wonderful taste! This dish is deliciously mild yet full of umami, making it a perfect side for rice or a staple in your banchan (side dish) collection. ^^
Main Ingredients- 200g blanched sweet potato vines
- 30g prepared anchovies (small or for broth)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 green chili pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 8 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 8 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or corn syrup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients. Using pre-blanched sweet potato vines and cleaned anchovies will help speed up the cooking process.
Step 2
Drain the blanched sweet potato vines thoroughly using a colander. If the vines are very long, cut them in half to about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) for easier eating. Thinly slice the red and green chili peppers diagonally.
Step 3
In a dry pan over low heat, lightly toast the prepared anchovies. This step helps to remove any potential bitterness and brings out a nutty aroma, leaving behind only their savory flavor.
Step 4
In a pan suitable for stir-frying, add the toasted anchovies and the prepared sweet potato vines. Pour in the seasoning sauce (soy sauce, water, plum extract). Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sweet potato vines cook gently until tender. Add the minced garlic during the cooking process. It’s important to cook slowly to allow the rich umami flavor from the anchovies to fully infuse. If the liquid reduces too much, add a little more water.
Step 5
Once the sweet potato vines are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, add the sliced chili peppers. Stir-fry just enough to combine everything evenly. The chilies will add a pleasant crunch and a pop of color. Taste the dish and, if needed, add a little more soy sauce to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 6
Just before turning off the heat, sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil for extra fragrance and flavor. Your delicious stir-fried sweet potato vines with anchovies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve with warm rice for a delightful meal.
