Sweet & Savory Ham and Crab Stick Stir-Fry
Sweet & Savory Ham and Crab Stick Stir-Fry
An Easy Recipe for Ham and Crab Stick Stir-Fry in Soy Sauce
Got some crab sticks that have been in the fridge for a while? Instead of the usual gimbap or salad, let’s make a delicious side dish! This sweet and savory ham and crab stick stir-fry is a guaranteed hit, not just with kids but also with adults who have a sweet tooth. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy crab sticks as a side dish that pairs perfectly with rice. Let’s get cooking! #HamCrabStirFry #EasySideDish #RiceThief
Ingredients- 1 pack Ham (use Spam, bulgogi-style ham, or any preferred type)
- 1 pack Crab sticks (imitation crab meat)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Green chili pepper (or bell pepper for a milder, colorful option)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup or other liquid sweetener (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your ingredients. If your crab sticks are the long ‘gimbap’ type, cut them into manageable lengths. Any kind of ham works well – Spam or thinly sliced bulgogi ham are great choices. If you don’t have crab sticks, imitation crab meat is a suitable alternative.
Step 2
Slice the ham into strips, similar in length to the crab sticks. If using thinly sliced ham, cutting it lengthwise will give a nice texture.
Step 3
When stir-fried, crab sticks can easily shred. Instead of finely chopping, it’s better to cut them to a similar length as the ham, perhaps in half lengthwise, so they hold their shape better during cooking.
Step 4
Slice the green chili pepper in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and then cut it into strips. For a milder dish that’s great for kids, consider using bell pepper instead of chili peppers for color and a touch of sweetness.
Step 5
Now, let’s start stir-frying. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little cooking oil. First, add the sliced ham and chili peppers (or bell peppers) to the pan. We’ll add the crab sticks later to prevent them from breaking apart too much.
Step 6
Add the sliced ham and chili peppers to the pan with a little cooking oil. Stir-fry them. As mentioned, adding the crab sticks from the beginning can cause them to break down easily, so we’ll add them later with the sauce.
Step 7
Add the minced garlic to the pan with the ham and peppers. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 8
Pour in the soy sauce. Let it coat the ham and stir-fry for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 9
Continue to stir-fry the ham and peppers with the soy sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 10
Add the corn syrup (or your preferred sweetener) for a touch of sweetness. Now, it’s time to add the crab sticks! Gently mix them in with the ham and sauce, making sure they are evenly coated.
Step 11
Gently mix the crab sticks with the sauce and other ingredients. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for just 30 seconds to 1 minute. Crab sticks absorb liquid quickly, and the sauce can thicken rapidly. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, to prevent the sauce from reducing too much and to ensure the crab sticks don’t overcook. Reduce heat to low.
Step 12
Once the sauce has a nice, slightly thick consistency, turn off the heat. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a final touch. Your delicious sweet and savory ham and crab stick stir-fry is ready to be served over a bowl of hot rice!
