Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Anchovies
A Must-Try Side Dish! Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Anchovies
We’ve stir-fried finely chopped garlic scapes with savory anchovies in a spicy and sweet sauce. This dish is packed with satisfying crunch and a delightful savory flavor, making it a hit with everyone from toddlers to kids. It’s a perfect side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, or even wrapped in crisp seaweed!
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch Garlic Scapes (approx. 100g)
- 150-200g Small Dried Anchovies
Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Rice Wine or Mirin (to remove fishy smell)
- 2-3 Tbsp Sunflower Oil or Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp Oyster Sauce (for umami boost!)
- 2-3 Tbsp Oligodang or Corn Syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Rice Wine or Mirin (to remove fishy smell)
- 2-3 Tbsp Sunflower Oil or Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp Oyster Sauce (for umami boost!)
- 2-3 Tbsp Oligodang or Corn Syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the garlic scapes under running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Gently pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. Excess moisture can lead to sogginess or splattering when stir-frying. Once dry, chop the garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 1 cm in length.
Step 2
Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add the small dried anchovies and toast them for 30 to 40 seconds without any oil. This step helps to remove moisture from the anchovies, making them crispier and enhancing their nutty flavor.
Step 3
Pour 1 tablespoon of rice wine (or Mirin/Sake) over the toasted anchovies and stir-fry briefly. This quick stir-fry is a key step to eliminating any fishy smell, gam-nae (unpleasant odor), or stale taste from the anchovies, resulting in a cleaner and more delicious final dish.
Step 4
Once the fishy smell is neutralized, transfer the anchovies to a separate bowl temporarily. In the same pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil (or your preferred cooking oil). Add the chopped garlic scapes and stir-fry over medium heat, ensuring they are spread evenly in the pan.
Step 5
As the garlic scapes begin to soften and release their aroma, return the toasted anchovies to the pan. Add the oyster sauce, gochugaru, and oligodang to the pan. Stir everything together well, ensuring the seasonings coat the ingredients evenly. Continue to stir-fry over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the garlic scapes are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 6
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry for both flavor and visual appeal. Your delicious Garlic Scape and Anchovy Stir-fry is now ready!
Step 7
Serve this delicious stir-fry generously over a bowl of warm rice for a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Alternatively, wrap it in crispy toasted seaweed for a delightful snack or side. It’s also a fantastic option for children’s lunchboxes!
