Crispy Stir-Fried Anchovies: Quick & Easy Side Dish
Crispy Stir-Fried Anchovies: Quick & Easy Side Dish
Make Perfectly Crispy Stir-Fried Anchovies – A Daily Side Dish Staple
Hello everyone! Today, I’ll share my secret to making perfectly crispy stir-fried anchovies, a beloved Korean side dish. In just 10 minutes, you can create a crunchy treat that’s almost like a snack! It’s a fantastic side for meals, and you can even mix it with seaweed flakes and sesame oil to make delicious rice balls. Enjoy this delightful anchovy stir-fry! ^^
Ingredients- 150g small dried anchovies (for stir-frying)
- 3 Tbsp grapeseed oil
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 red chilies (seeds removed and finely chopped)
- 3 Korean green chilies (stems removed and cut into 2-3 cm pieces)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, heat a dry pan over medium-low heat without adding any oil. Add the 150g of small dried anchovies and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, making sure they don’t burn, to remove their moisture. This step is crucial for achieving extra crispiness and reducing any fishy smell.
Step 2
Place the stir-fried anchovies in a sieve. Gently shake the sieve to remove any fine powders or broken pieces from the bottom of the pan. This will ensure a cleaner texture in the final dish.
Step 3
Prepare the chilies. Finely chop the red chilies after removing the seeds. Trim the stems off the Korean green chilies and cut them into approximately 2-3 cm lengths. These will add a touch of spice and fresh aroma.
Step 4
Now, let’s begin the main stir-frying process. In a lightly heated pan, add 3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil over low heat. Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-fries, and it will help coat the anchovies, maintaining their crispness.
Step 5
Add the pre-stir-fried anchovies to the pan. Stir them gently in the grapeseed oil, as if coating them, over low heat. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, ensuring they don’t burn. The anchovies will absorb the oil, becoming more flavorful.
Step 6
Add the chopped red and green chilies to the anchovies. Now, add the 1.5 tablespoons of sugar. Gently mix everything together, like you’re combining the chilies with the anchovies, and stir-fry for only about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the anchovies tough.
Step 7
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of honey for glossiness and sweetness, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor. Stir quickly to combine everything with the residual heat, then immediately turn off the stove. If honey cooks for too long, it can become sticky. Let the finished anchovy stir-fry cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Enjoy your delicious homemade side dish!
