Crispy Anchovy and Garlic Stir-fry: Perfect for Kids’ Meals!
Super Simple Side Dish: Making Stir-fried Anchovies with Garlic
A nutritious anchovy stir-fry that’s a staple on our children’s dinner tables! The savory garlic and the crispiness of the anchovies combine to make a dish kids absolutely love. Make it easily and keep it as a satisfying side dish.
Main Ingredients- 700g small dried anchovies (cleaned by sifting to remove scales and bitter parts)
- 10 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
Seasoning- 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and umami!)
- 1/2 Tbsp ginger syrup (removes gamey smells and enhances flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (e.g., Mirin or Cheongju) (removes fishiness)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for added nuttiness)
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (plenty!)
- 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and umami!)
- 1/2 Tbsp ginger syrup (removes gamey smells and enhances flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (e.g., Mirin or Cheongju) (removes fishiness)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for added nuttiness)
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (plenty!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, place the thinly sliced garlic in a pan and drizzle with 1 Tbsp of perilla oil. It’s crucial to stir-fry slowly over low heat to release the aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, and sauté until golden brown. (Tip: Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so always use low heat!)
Step 2
Once the garlic is golden brown, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the sifted small dried anchovies and stir-fry briefly to dry them out. (Tip: If the anchovies are very moist, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes to dry them out before stir-frying for extra crispiness. I fried mine directly.)
Step 3
Return the stir-fried garlic to the pan with the anchovies and stir to combine. This allows the garlic’s flavor to meld with the anchovies.
Step 4
Now, add all the seasoning ingredients (soy sauce, plum extract, ginger syrup, cooking wine) and stir-fry quickly over high heat. Since the seasoning can burn easily, stir-frying quickly over high heat is the key! (Tip: Adjust the amount of soy sauce according to the saltiness of your anchovies. It’s best to taste and adjust as needed.)
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for added nuttiness and mix well. Your delicious stir-fried anchovies with garlic are ready! Let it cool slightly before storing in a container for a satisfying side dish you can enjoy for days.
