Spicy & Sweet Anchovy Salad (Gochujang-seasoned)
Spicy & Sweet Anchovy Salad (Gochujang-seasoned)
Revitalize Your Appetite with Spicy Anchovy Salad
Perfect for when you lose your appetite! This irresistible anchovy salad, coated in a delicious spicy and sweet sauce, will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time. The combination of crispy stir-fried anchovies and savory seasoning is exquisite, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a fantastic side dish or even a bar snack.
Ingredients for Anchovies and Seasoning- 200g medium anchovies (cleaned of guts and heads)
- 6 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligodang)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 200g of anchovies. Using medium-sized anchovies rather than small ones will provide a more satisfying chew. It’s important to remove the guts and heads of the anchovies to reduce any fishy taste.
Step 2
Heat a dry pan over low heat and stir-fry the anchovies. This process helps to remove moisture, making them crispy, and effectively eliminates any unpleasant fishy smell or gamey taste. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the anchovies turn lightly golden.
Step 3
Place the stir-fried anchovies in a sieve and shake gently. This step removes any fine dust or crumbs created during stir-frying, resulting in a cleaner finished dish.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients. Mix 6 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 4 Tbsp corn syrup. Whisk until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to adjust the amount of gochugaru.
Step 5
Transfer the cooled stir-fried anchovies to a large bowl. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce over them. It’s crucial to let the anchovies cool down completely before mixing with the sauce to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Step 6
Gently toss the anchovies with the sauce using your hands until evenly coated. Be careful not to break the anchovies as you mix. Ensure the sauce coats each anchovy nicely, creating a slightly sticky glaze.
Step 7
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you’d like it sweeter, add more sugar or corn syrup. For a spicier kick, add more gochugaru. Always check for the right balance of flavors.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. Your delicious spicy and sweet anchovy salad is ready! Plate it attractively and enjoy your flavorful dish.
