
Crispy Sweet & Savory Stir-Fried Anchovies
Crispy Sweet & Savory Stir-Fried Anchovies
Super Simple Stir-Fried Anchovy Recipe Everyone Will Love
This is the ultimate side dish for rice! The perfect balance of salty and sweet makes these stir-fried anchovies delicious on their own, but they’re also fantastic as a filling for rice balls or wrapped in seasoned seaweed. The recipe is incredibly easy, making it accessible for anyone. Add this delicious side dish to your dinner table today!
Main Ingredients- 2 cups anchovies (paper cup measurement)
- 10 cloves garlic (or sliced garlic)
- A small amount of carrot (about 1/4 carrot)
Seasoning- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the ingredients. Thinly slice the garlic into slivers, and julienne the carrot into thin strips that match the size of the anchovies. Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, releasing a lovely aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic; cook it gently.
Step 2
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, add the julienned carrots and stir-fry them briefly until they are slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite. Avoid overcooking the carrots, as they can become mushy.
Step 3
Now it’s time to stir-fry the anchovies. Place the anchovies in a sieve and gently shake to remove any fine powder or broken bits. This step ensures a clean taste without any bitterness. Add the prepared anchovies to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute to remove any fishy smell. It’s best to cook them over medium-low heat to prevent them from becoming too hard and brittle.
Step 4
Once the anchovies are somewhat stir-fried, pour 3 tablespoons of soy sauce to one side of the pan. Let the soy sauce bubble slightly to release its aroma, then mix it well with the anchovies and continue to stir-fry. This method helps the soy sauce penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Next, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, mixing them thoroughly with the anchovies as you stir-fry. The corn syrup not only adds sweetness but also a nice sheen.
Step 5
This is the final seasoning step. Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and gently stir with a spatula, breaking up any clumps, until well combined with the anchovies. The mayonnaise adds a nutty, creamy flavor that makes the dish appealing even to children. Ensure it’s well mixed without burning over low heat.
Step 6
When the mayonnaise is smoothly incorporated and the anchovies look glossy, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness. Give it a final quick stir, and your delicious stir-fried anchovies are ready! Let them cool slightly before storing in an airtight container for a tasty side dish you can enjoy for days.

