Crispy and Nutty Almond Anchovy Stir-Fry
Need a healthy and simple side dish?! The answer is .
This is a side dish my husband absolutely loves! It disappears so quickly once made. haha. This recipe offers a delightful balance of savory anchovies and crunchy almonds, coated in a sweet and savory glaze, making it a perfect addition to any meal and a guaranteed hit.
Main Ingredients- Dried anchovies (small or for broth) – 300cc (rinsed and any crumbs removed)
- Almonds – 3 handfuls (approx. 150g)
Seasoning Ingredients- Soy sauce – 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (cooking sake) – 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup or Oligosaccharide – 3.5 Tbsp
- Sugar – 0.5 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Sesame seeds or crushed sesame seeds – 1 handful
- Canola oil or cooking oil – 3 Tbsp
- Soy sauce – 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (cooking sake) – 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup or Oligosaccharide – 3.5 Tbsp
- Sugar – 0.5 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Sesame seeds or crushed sesame seeds – 1 handful
- Canola oil or cooking oil – 3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the anchovies. If using small anchovies, rinse them in a sieve to remove any powder or debris that might cause bitterness. If using anchovies for broth, it’s recommended to remove the hard heads and guts. (Optional) Place the prepared anchovies in a dry pan and stir-fry over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. This step helps to eliminate any fishy odor and enhances the anchovies’ crispiness. Set the stir-fried anchovies aside to cool.
Step 2
Heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil (or cooking oil) in the pan over medium heat. Add the stir-fried and cooled anchovies and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn them. This process coats the anchovies in oil, making them more flavorful.
Step 3
While maintaining medium heat, pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce around the edges of the pan. Continue to stir-fry, allowing the soy sauce to evenly coat the anchovies.
Step 4
Next, add 1 tablespoon of mirin (cooking sake) and stir-fry with the anchovies. Mirin helps to remove any remaining odor and adds a nice sheen to the dish.
Step 5
Add the 3 handfuls of almonds to the pan and stir-fry them with the anchovies. The almonds will add a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the anchovies. Ensure the almonds are mixed well and not clumped together.
Step 6
Add 3.5 tablespoons of corn syrup or oligosaccharide for sweetness. Stir and cook continuously, ensuring the sticky glaze coats the anchovies and almonds evenly.
Step 7
Add 0.5 tablespoon of sugar. The sweetness can be adjusted according to your preference. Adding sugar helps the glaze to thicken and concentrate the flavors.
Step 8
Finally, generously sprinkle in 1 handful of sesame seeds or crushed sesame seeds. Quickly toss everything together using the residual heat to coat the anchovies and almonds evenly without burning them. Be cautious not to overcook on low heat, as this can make the anchovies too hard. It’s best to turn off the heat and finish by stirring for a moment with the residual heat.
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious Almond Anchovy Stir-Fry with a beautiful glaze is ready. It’s delicious served warm, and it makes an excellent side dish that stays crispy for a long time when stored in an airtight container once cooled. Enjoy your meal! ♡
