Spicy and Sweet Gochujang Anchovy Stir-fry
Spicy and Sweet Gochujang Anchovy Stir-fry
How to Make Deliciously Spicy and Sweet Gochujang Anchovy Stir-fry
This recipe is for a dangerously addictive spicy and sweet anchovy stir-fry that will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time. Using medium-sized dried anchovies, this dish offers a savory, spicy, and sweet flavor profile that’s perfect for the whole family. The key is to remove any fishy taste and achieve a satisfying crunch. This is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed for a long time. I made this using medium-sized anchovies that my mother-in-law prepared.
Main Ingredients- Medium-sized dried anchovies 180g (size can be adjusted to preference)
Seasoning Ingredients- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (regular) 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin, etc.) 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Plum extract 1 Tbsp (optional, can be omitted)
- Honey 3 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (regular) 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin, etc.) 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Plum extract 1 Tbsp (optional, can be omitted)
- Honey 3 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To remove the fishy smell and any dampness from the anchovies, dry-roast them in a pan over medium heat without any oil. This step is effective in eliminating fishiness and enhancing their crispy texture. You can choose anchovies of your preferred size. (For smaller anchovies like ‘jiri myeolchi’, you can skip this step and make a soy sauce-based stir-fry instead.)
Step 2
After roasting the anchovies, use a fine sieve to remove any crumbs or small debris that may have come off. This will help the seasoning adhere better to the anchovies and create a cleaner final dish.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a pan, combine Gochujang (2 Tbsp), soy sauce (1 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp), cooking wine (3 Tbsp), minced garlic (1/2 Tbsp), and plum extract (1 Tbsp, optional).
Step 4
Place the pan with the sauce ingredients over low heat. As soon as the sauce starts to bubble, turn off the heat immediately. Be careful not to cook it for too long, as the sauce can burn.
Step 5
Add the roasted anchovies to the sauce. Adding the anchovies to the hot sauce right after it bubbles helps the seasoning to absorb better.
Step 6
Using a spatula or spoon, gently toss the anchovies to coat them evenly with the sauce. It’s important to mix them carefully to avoid breaking the anchovies.
Step 7
Finally, add honey (3 Tbsp) for extra sweetness and flavor, sesame oil (1 Tbsp) for a nutty aroma, and toasted sesame seeds (1 Tbsp) for texture.
Step 8
Give it one last gentle toss to combine the honey, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Your delicious spicy and sweet Gochujang anchovy stir-fry is now ready! It tastes even better after cooling down slightly.
