
Crispy and Delicious Sweet & Salty Anchovy Stir-fry
Crispy and Delicious Sweet & Salty Anchovy Stir-fry
A Rice Thief! Easy Golden Recipe for Crispy Stir-fried Anchovies Anyone Can Follow
Introducing a flavorful anchovy stir-fry that’s savory with every bite. It’s the perfect side dish for rice! Make these anchovies, loved by both kids and adults for their sweet and salty glaze and satisfying crunch, easily at home.
Main Ingredients- Small dried anchovies (Iwashi) 100g (stir-fry in a dry pan beforehand to remove fishy smell)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup/sugar)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A handful of sliced almonds
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to remove any bitterness or fishy smell from the small dried anchovies, heat a dry pan over low heat and stir-fry the anchovies for 2-3 minutes. Once they become slightly crispy, remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 2
Now it’s time for seasoning. Wipe the pan clean, preheat it over medium-low heat, then add 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Add the stir-fried anchovies and mix well. The olive oil will coat the anchovies, adding a richer, nuttier flavor.
Step 3
Add 2 Tbsp of oligosaccharide to the pan to enhance sweetness and gloss, and quickly stir-fry with the anchovies. You can also use corn syrup or sugar instead of oligosaccharide. Adjust the amount of sweetness to your preference.
Step 4
Add sliced almonds for added texture and stir-fry them with the anchovies. Be careful not to burn the almonds, and stir-fry for about 1 minute. The nutty flavor of the almonds will blend well with the anchovies as you chew.
Step 5
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil to bring out the aroma, then turn off the heat and mix quickly. Sesame oil’s fragrance can dissipate if heated too much, so it’s best to add it after turning off the heat.
Step 6
Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds to maximize the nutty flavor. Mix lightly while the heat is off to prevent the anchovies from burning from the residual heat of the pan.
Step 7
And there you have it – a delicious anchovy stir-fry! It’s great served over rice or as a lunchbox side dish. Stir-fry just enough so the anchovies don’t become too hard.
Step 8
This sweet and salty anchovy stir-fry is a true rice thief that will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time when you have a poor appetite! Give it a try. It’s a simple yet incredibly delicious side dish!

