Crispy and Nutty Anchovy Stir-fry: A Perfect Banchan Recipe
Crispy and Nutty Anchovy Stir-fry: A Perfect Banchan Recipe
Easy Anchovy and Nut Stir-fry
Add a boost of flavor and wholesome goodness to your daily meals with this magical side dish! Salty anchovies meet crunchy nuts for a perfect balance of nutrition, taste, and texture. This crowd-pleaser is so addictive, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. The recipe is simple enough for beginners to follow with ease. It’s ideal as a healthy snack for kids or a savory accompaniment for drinks. Try making this delicious anchovy and nut stir-fry that’s perfect for everyone!
Main Ingredients- 100g anchovies (small anchovies can be used whole; for larger anchovies, remove heads and innards)
- 1 handful of your favorite nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews)
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp “Gae-ganjang” (crab soy sauce, or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp agave syrup (or corn syrup, maltose)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp “Gae-ganjang” (crab soy sauce, or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp agave syrup (or corn syrup, maltose)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the anchovies. If you’re using small anchovies, you can use them as they are. For larger anchovies used for broth, carefully remove the heads, hard bones, and the bitter innards. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the anchovies and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps to remove any fishy smell and achieve a crispier texture. Be careful not to burn the anchovies. Once lightly golden, transfer them to a separate bowl.
Step 2
In the same pan (you don’t need to add more oil), add 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons of agave syrup. Stir-fry over low heat. Agave syrup can burn quickly once it starts to bubble, so cook it over very low heat, stirring with chopsticks or a spoon to prevent clumping and to loosen it up. This will help the seasoning coat the anchovies and nuts evenly and add a glossy finish.
Step 3
Now, add the stir-fried anchovies from step 1 and your handful of prepared nuts back into the pan. Pour in 2 tablespoons of “Gae-ganjang” (or soy sauce) and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine. Stir quickly with a spatula or chopsticks to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed amongst the ingredients. It’s best to stir-fry over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, rather than high heat, to prevent the seasoning from sticking and burning. Stir-frying the nuts along with everything else will enhance their nutty flavor.
Step 4
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sesame oil is sensitive to heat, so adding it at the end preserves its aromatic flavor. Give everything one final gentle toss to combine all the ingredients and seasonings well. Your delicious anchovy and nut stir-fry is ready! Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for about 2 weeks.
