Crispy and Delicious Stir-Fried Anchovies Recipe
Crispy and Delicious Stir-Fried Anchovies Recipe
Our Family’s Popular Side Dish! Easy Golden Recipe for Stir-Fried Anchovies ♡
Introducing a golden recipe for universally loved stir-fried anchovies that anyone can easily make. The perfect harmony of crispy texture and delicious seasoning makes this a favorite side dish for kids and adults alike. With just a few tips, you can achieve perfectly delicious stir-fried anchovies without fail!
Main Ingredients- Dried anchovies: 2.5 handfuls (approximately 1 bowl when using a rice bowl for measurement)
Seasoning Ingredients- Olive oil: a little
- Soy sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (mirin): 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide: 3 Tbsp (can be adjusted for desired crispiness)
- Sugar: 1 tsp (add more if reducing oligosaccharide)
- Sesame oil: 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds: a little
- Olive oil: a little
- Soy sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (mirin): 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide: 3 Tbsp (can be adjusted for desired crispiness)
- Sugar: 1 tsp (add more if reducing oligosaccharide)
- Sesame oil: 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds: a little
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the anchovies. The amount shown in the photo is about two and a half handfuls, which is roughly equivalent to one rice bowl. Using about 3 tablespoons of oligosaccharide helps maintain a crispy texture even after refrigeration. If you prefer a less crispy texture, reduce the amount of oligosaccharide and slightly increase the sugar. Adjusting to your preference is key.
Step 2
The first step to making delicious stir-fried anchovies is to actually fry the anchovies. Place the anchovies in a dry pan without any oil and stir-fry them. This process removes any fishy smell and enhances their nutty, crispy texture.
Step 3
After stir-frying the anchovies for about 1-2 minutes to remove the fishy odor, add a little olive oil. Continue to stir-fry until the surface of the anchovies seems coated with oil. The goal is to get a glossy sheen on the anchovies. In the past, people would sift the anchovies in a colander to remove all the powder before frying, but many find this step tedious nowadays, as the anchovy powder doesn’t significantly alter the taste. If you are concerned about the powder, feel free to sift them beforehand. Stir-fry until the anchovies have a glossy coating.
Step 4
Once the anchovies have a nice glossy coating from the olive oil, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin). Stir-fry quickly to allow the sauce to color the anchovies evenly. Gently toss the pan to ensure all anchovies are coated.
Step 5
As you stir-fry with the soy sauce, the anchovies will gradually change from their pale color to a slightly darker, brownish hue. Continue stir-frying until they reach this color. The savory soy sauce will infuse into the anchovies, adding a rich umami flavor.
Step 6
When the anchovies have absorbed the soy sauce color well, add the oligosaccharide and sugar. As mentioned, using 3 tablespoons of oligosaccharide will help keep them crispy even when refrigerated. If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the oligosaccharide and slightly increase the sugar to adjust the sweetness. Stir well again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 7
The stir-fried anchovies are nearing completion. They are already delicious at this stage, but I like to add one more ingredient to enhance the flavor and add a richer, nuttier profile. This extra step is a secret to elevating the overall taste of the dish.
Step 8
That ingredient is sesame oil! I add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil at the end to boost the nutty aroma. While you can omit sesame oil if you prefer, adding it significantly enhances the overall flavor. Finish by generously sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top for a beautiful presentation and added texture.
Step 9
And there you have it – perfectly savory and sweet stir-fried anchovies! This delicious side dish is a hit with children and a staple in many homes. Honestly, I used to struggle with making them myself and often relied on my parents for this dish.
Step 10
But now, I can confidently make it myself! It’s such a rewarding feeling to be able to prepare this tasty dish without any help. Lately, I’ve been trying to eat at home more often, reducing my restaurant meals. It feels like I’m not only dieting but also improving my cooking skills. These stir-fried anchovies are definitely going into my husband’s lunchbox tomorrow! I highly recommend you try this recipe too.
