Crispy Anchovy and Almond Stir-fry
How to Make Crispy Anchovy and Almond Stir-fry Like a Snack
Depending on the ratio of sugar and corn syrup, you can make anchovy stir-fry that’s as crispy as a snack, or a moist and chewy version. Increasing the sugar ratio results in a crispier anchovy stir-fry, while using only corn syrup instead of sugar creates a moist stir-fry. Let’s make a simple yet delicious anchovy stir-fry!
Ingredients- 2 handfuls of anchovies (approx. 50-60g)
- 2 handfuls of almonds (sliced or whole, approx. 30-40g)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s dry-roast the almonds to remove moisture and make them crispy. Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat, add the almonds, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted, being careful not to burn them. Set the roasted almonds aside in a separate bowl.
Step 2
Now it’s time to dry-roast the anchovies. In the same dry pan, add the anchovies and stir-fry over low heat for 3-4 minutes to remove any remaining moisture. Be careful not to burn the anchovies. Gently shake the pan while stir-frying to break apart any tough anchovies, which will help reduce bitterness and create a cleaner flavor.
Step 3
Add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Adjust the heat to prevent the garlic from burning. As the garlic becomes fragrant, the flavor of the dish will deepen.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add 0.5 Tbsp of cooking wine, 0.5 Tbsp of soy sauce, and 0.5 Tbsp of sugar. Let this mixture simmer and slightly reduce for about 1 minute until you see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 5
Add the dried anchovies and almonds back into the pan with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the anchovies and almonds are well combined with the sauce.
Step 6
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of corn syrup and a pinch of sesame seeds. The corn syrup adds a nice gloss and sweetness, and adding sesame seeds while the mixture is still hot helps them adhere better to the ingredients, making it visually appealing. Stir everything together one last time.
Step 7
Spread the finished anchovy and almond stir-fry onto a wide plate and let it cool slightly. This prevents the anchovies from clumping together and ensures a wonderfully crispy texture. Enjoy your delicious crispy anchovy and almond stir-fry as a side dish or a snack!
