Crispy Stir-fried Green Peppers with Dried Shrimp
Crispy Stir-fried Green Peppers with Dried Shrimp
How to Make a Delicious Stir-fry of Fresh Green Peppers and Dried Shrimp
As autumn chills set in and the first frost approaches, I’m reminded of simpler times when we’d gather fresh green peppers. These vibrant peppers are wonderfully versatile, perfect for creating a variety of side dishes. They can be braised to a chewy tenderness, coated in flour and steamed, or fried for a delightful crunch. Today, we’re making a delightful stir-fry featuring crispy dried shrimp and fresh green peppers. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with savory flavor, making it an excellent accompaniment to rice or a satisfying snack.
Main Ingredients- 200g Fresh Green Peppers (about 10-15 peppers)
- 50g Dried Shrimp (small size)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce or Braising Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (Korean corn syrup) (adjust sweetness as needed)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce or Braising Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (Korean corn syrup) (adjust sweetness as needed)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to carefully inspect the green peppers. Even if they look perfect on the outside, sometimes insects can hide inside. Examine each pepper thoroughly to check for any signs of insect damage or spoilage.
Step 2
Remove the stems from the prepared green peppers and wash them thoroughly under running water. After washing, drain them completely in a colander. This ensures that the oil won’t splatter excessively during cooking and helps the peppers stay crisp.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the dried shrimp. Place the dried shrimp in a dry pan over medium-low heat without any oil. Stir continuously and toast them gently. This process intensifies the shrimp’s flavor and aroma while removing any fishy odor, enhancing their natural savoriness. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 4
Once the dried shrimp are toasted and crispy, transfer them to a sieve to cool slightly. This allows them to become even crispier from residual heat and helps remove any fine dust or debris. They look wonderfully appetizing already, don’t they?
Step 5
Now, let’s begin stir-frying. Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté over low heat until fragrant. Once the garlic releases its aroma, reduce the heat slightly to prevent it from burning. Overcooked garlic can impart a bitter taste, so aim for a light golden color.
Step 6
Add the prepared green peppers to the pan along with the soy sauce (or braising soy sauce). Stir-fry over medium heat, allowing the peppers to absorb the sauce. Cook just until the peppers are slightly tender yet still retain a pleasant crunch. Avoid overcooking them until they become too soft.
Step 7
When the green peppers are almost tender-crisp, add the toasted dried shrimp back into the pan. Continue stir-frying over medium-low heat. Stir in the oligodang to add a touch of sweetness and a nice sheen. Finally, add the cooking wine (mirin) to eliminate any lingering odors and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 8
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in the sesame oil. Since the dried shrimp were pre-toasted, they only need a brief moment to incorporate with the other ingredients and the sesame oil. This ensures the shrimp retain their appealing color and texture, resulting in a visually delightful and delicious stir-fry.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the dish for added aroma and flavor. Even without many complex ingredients, the savory depth of the dried shrimp combined with the fresh, vibrant taste of the green peppers creates an exceptionally flavorful side dish. Serve this ‘Crispy Stir-fried Green Peppers with Dried Shrimp’ immediately for a delightful meal.
