Spicy-Sweet Stir-Fried Anchovies: A Perfect Side Dish
Spicy-Sweet Stir-Fried Anchovies: A Perfect Side Dish
Irresistible Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Anchovies!
We’ve made a delicious, savory, and slightly sweet dried anchovy side dish with a hint of spicy gochujang. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy banchan that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Main Ingredients- 200g dried anchovies (small, suitable for stir-frying)
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1-2 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey/agave, for sweetness and gloss; add 1-2 Tbsp more if desired)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin or sake, to remove fishiness and add flavor)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (for a creamy, rich finish; add at the end)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1-2 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey/agave, for sweetness and gloss; add 1-2 Tbsp more if desired)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin or sake, to remove fishiness and add flavor)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (for a creamy, rich finish; add at the end)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the sauce! In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1-2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. *Set aside the mayonnaise and sesame seeds; they will be added at the very end.
Step 2
Next, prepare the anchovies. Gently shake the small dried anchovies in a sieve to remove any dust or small debris, or lightly wipe them with a paper towel. This simple step helps ensure a cleaner taste and better texture.
Step 3
Now, heat a pan over medium heat. Add all of the prepared sauce mixture to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4
Once the sauce is simmering nicely, reduce the heat to low. Add the prepared anchovies to the pan. Stir-fry them gently for about 30 to 40 seconds, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the anchovies tough.
Step 5
After the anchovies are well-coated, turn off the heat immediately. Stir in the 2 Tbsp of mayonnaise. This adds a wonderful creaminess and richness to the dish. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish and extra nutty flavor. The dish is now complete! *If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can substitute it with 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
Step 6
This spicy-sweet stir-fried anchovy dish, with its perfect balance of flavors and the creamy touch of mayonnaise, is a favorite banchan (side dish) for children and adults alike. It’s a delightful accompaniment to rice and perfect for lunchboxes!
