Crispy Anchovy and Walnut Stir-fry: The Perfect Sweet & Salty Combo
Super Easy and Nutritious Anchovy and Walnut Stir-fry Recipe
This anchovy and walnut stir-fry is a fantastic side dish! You don’t need complicated seasonings; even a simple sauce makes it deliciously sweet and salty. It’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can whip it up in no time. Perfect for a quick side dish or a healthy snack!
Main Ingredients- 2 handfuls of dried anchovies (small size, cleaned)
- 2 handfuls of walnuts
Seasoning- 1-2 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to anchovy saltiness)
- 2-3 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (adjust sweetness)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- About 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise (optional, helps prevent sticking)
- 1-2 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to anchovy saltiness)
- 2-3 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (adjust sweetness)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- About 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise (optional, helps prevent sticking)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, preheat a dry pan over medium heat. You don’t need oil for this step. Add the dried anchovies and stir-fry them until they become crispy. If your anchovies feel a bit soft or humid, stir-frying them without any oil is the key to removing any fishy smell and achieving maximum crispiness. Make sure to remove any stray fins or debris from the anchovies before stir-frying.
Step 2
Once the anchovies are sufficiently crispy, add the walnuts to the pan. Continue to stir-fry them together for about another minute. This step enhances the nutty aroma of the walnuts and helps them meld beautifully with the anchovies.
Step 3
Now it’s time for the seasoning. Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Since anchovies can be salty, it’s best to taste as you go and add another tablespoon if needed, up to a total of 2 tablespoons. Be mindful not to make it too salty.
Step 4
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of corn syrup (or rice syrup) for sweetness. You can adjust this amount based on your preference for sweetness. It’s a good idea to start with 2 tablespoons and taste, then add more if desired.
Step 5
Sprinkle in a good amount of toasted sesame seeds for added nutty flavor and texture. Then, add about 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise and mix everything together. The mayonnaise acts as a binder, preventing the anchovies and walnuts from clumping together too much, and also gives the dish a lovely sheen.
Step 6
Quickly toss everything to ensure the seasoning coats the anchovies and walnuts evenly. Your super simple and healthy anchovy and walnut stir-fry is now complete! Turn off the heat and let it sit for a moment; the residual heat will help the sauce cling perfectly.
Step 7
Taste your creation! You’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch of the anchovies, the rich nuttiness of the walnuts, and the perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavor that stimulates your appetite. You might be surprised at how delicious this can be with such simple ingredients! Serve it over hot rice or pack it for a delightful lunchbox side dish.
