Crispy Anchovy Stir-fry with Nuts
Easy and Nutritious Side Dish: How to Make Crispy Anchovy Stir-fry with Nuts
A staple side dish that’s indispensable in any Korean home kitchen is stir-fried anchovies! They’re not only great for children’s health but also make a simple meal feel complete. Today, we’re making a delightful nutty anchovy stir-fry using anchovies from Namhae Samcheonpo, known for their mild saltiness. This is a super simple side dish that you can whip up in a flash and enjoy anytime!
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dried anchovies (small)
- 1/3 cup almonds
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp rice syrup (oligo당)
- Pinch of sesame seeds
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (cheongju or mirin)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (cheongju or mirin)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, measure out all your ingredients and place them in small bowls or ramekins. This makes the cooking process smoother, especially if you’re taking photos or videos!
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: sugar, cooking wine (cheongju or mirin), and soy sauce. Mix them well. Having the sauce ready beforehand speeds up the final steps.
Step 3
To enhance their nutty flavor and crispiness, lightly toast the nuts and seeds (almonds and pumpkin seeds) in a dry pan over low heat for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the dried anchovies. Stir-fry them for about 2 minutes. This step removes moisture and any fishy odor, making them crispier.
Step 5
Transfer the stir-fried anchovies to a fine-mesh sieve and gently shake to remove any powder or small fragments. This ensures a cleaner final dish.
Step 6
Add a little cooking oil to a clean pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant. It’s important not to burn the garlic, but to slowly release its aromatic flavor.
Step 7
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the prepared anchovies back into the pan. Continue to stir-fry over low heat, making sure to toss them with a spatula to prevent sticking.
Step 8
Add the toasted nuts and seeds to the pan with the anchovies. Stir everything together. The nuts and seeds will add a wonderful texture and flavor to the dish.
Step 9
Since the nuts and seeds were pre-toasted, you only need to stir-fry them with the anchovies for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until everything is well combined.
Step 10
Push the anchovies and nuts to one side of the pan. Pour the prepared sauce into the empty space and let it bubble and reduce slightly.
Step 11
Once the sauce is bubbling, mix it thoroughly with the anchovies and nuts. Continue to stir-fry until the sauce coats everything evenly and becomes glossy. Ensure the sauce is well absorbed.
Step 12
Finally, stir in the rice syrup (oligo당) for a touch of sweetness and shine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and turn off the heat immediately. Your hearty and delicious nutty anchovy stir-fry is ready! The addition of nuts makes this a truly satisfying side dish.
