Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Korean Green Pepper and Anchovy
Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Korean Green Pepper and Anchovy
A Must-Have Korean Side Dish: Stir-fried Korean Green Pepper and Anchovy
The perfect harmony of savory anchovies, crisp Korean green peppers, and a sweet and salty glaze! This is the ultimate side dish that will make your rice disappear. Let me share the secret to its simple yet profound flavor.
Main Ingredients- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 25-30 Korean green peppers (shishito peppers), washed and halved
- 2 cups dried anchovies (small), or medium anchovies for more texture
- Cooking oil, as needed
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) or similar sweetener
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) or similar sweetener
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean green peppers thoroughly, remove the stems, and cut them in half. Peel the 5 cloves of garlic and slice them thinly. We’re using small dried anchovies here, but you can use medium-sized ones if you prefer a chewier texture. While small anchovies are good for kids, I find medium ones have a richer flavor when stir-fried with green peppers!
Step 2
Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a preheated pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry gently until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic; the key is to infuse the oil with its aroma.
Step 3
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the dried anchovies to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent them from burning and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Frying them properly ensures a better texture and flavor.
Step 4
When the anchovies are nicely crisped, add all the prepared Korean green peppers to the pan. Stir-fry until the peppers soften slightly and their vibrant green color deepens. Avoid overcooking them, as you want to maintain a pleasant crispness in the peppers.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the seasoning to finish the dish. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of mirin, and 3 tablespoons of oligodang. Stir everything together well to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
Step 6
And there you have it – a delicious stir-fried Korean green pepper and anchovy dish! The combination of crisp, slightly spicy peppers and savory anchovies is truly fantastic. The pan-fried garlic pieces become delightfully chewy and are a wonderful bonus. Served over warm rice, this dish is an absolute delight that will have you reaching for seconds!
