Crispy Anchovy and Sunflower Seed Stir-Fry
Explosion of Nutty Flavor! Sunflower Seed Anchovy Stir-Fry for a Delicious Side Dish
What’s the most crucial factor for a great anchovy stir-fry? I believe it’s the anchovies themselves, specifically their saltiness. This recipe uses anchovies with reduced salt content to create a wonderfully savory and delicious stir-fry. The nutty crunch of sunflower seeds combined with the perfectly seasoned anchovies will make you reach for more rice with every bite!
Ingredients- 120g small dried anchovies (low-salt variety, or rinse under cold water and drain well)
- 60g sunflower seeds
- 1/2 tsp tuna extract
- 1 tsp corn syrup or similar liquid sweetener
- 1 tsp sugar
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional, for a hint of spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, heat a pan over medium heat and toast the sunflower seeds without any oil. The seeds will release their natural oils as they toast, preventing them from burning and ensuring a nutty flavor. Stir them occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 2
Once the sunflower seeds are lightly golden brown, add the small dried anchovies. Stir-fry them for about 1-2 minutes, just enough to help evaporate any moisture. Anchovies stored in the refrigerator can sometimes develop a little dampness, so this step is key to achieving a crispy texture.
Step 3
After most of the moisture has evaporated from the anchovies, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat until the anchovies become thoroughly crispy. Keep stirring to prevent them from burning.
Step 4
Since we’re using low-salt anchovies, we’ll use 1/2 teaspoon of tuna extract for seasoning. If you’re using regular dried anchovies, they might be quite salty, so you may want to adjust or omit the tuna extract or soy sauce.
Step 5
Add 1 teaspoon of corn syrup (or another liquid sweetener) to give the stir-fry a glossy sheen and a touch of sweetness. This makes the anchovy dish look even more appealing.
Step 6
Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar to create that delightful sweet and savory ‘dan-dan’ flavor profile that’s irresistible. This will make it a hit even with kids.
Step 7
For a more adult-oriented flavor or a hint of spiciness, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This will add a pleasant kick, distinct from the flavor of chili powder. (Avoid using chili powder as it can make the texture less appealing).
Step 8
Finally, stir everything together for just a moment longer to ensure the seasonings are evenly coated on the anchovies and sunflower seeds. Your delicious sunflower seed and anchovy stir-fry is ready! Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crispiness for days.
