Crispy and Savory Stir-fried Anchovies
Irresistibly Crispy and Nutty Anchovy Stir-fry in Soy Sauce – The Perfect Side Dish (Kid-Friendly, Simple Side)
My 4-year-old youngest child loves these stir-fried anchovies! That’s why I always make them as a staple side dish. They are so delicious, you’ll want to finish every last bite.
Main Ingredients- Small dried anchovies (anchovies) 1 bowl (approx. 300cc)
Seasoning- Cooking oil 3 Tbsp (canola oil used)
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide 3 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil 3 Tbsp (canola oil used)
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide 3 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, the prepared small dried anchovies measure about 1 bowl, approximately 300cc. This is a convenient way to measure when you don’t have a scale. Please check the anchovies for freshness.
Step 2
To effectively remove any fishy smell from the anchovies, prepare a dry frying pan. Without adding any oil, place only the anchovies in the pan and stir-fry over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. They will become slightly golden and lose moisture, becoming crispier.
Step 3
Once the anchovies are lightly toasted, add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil and continue to stir-fry. I used canola oil for added flavor, but feel free to use any cooking oil you have on hand. When small bubbles start to form as the anchovies absorb the oil, immediately turn off the heat. Overcooking can make the anchovies too hard.
Step 4
With the heat turned off, add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin) and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Quickly mix them to ensure the seasoning coats the anchovies evenly. The cooking wine helps to remove any remaining fishy odor and adds a nice sheen.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add sweetness. Add 3 tablespoons of oligosaccharide and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir-fry over low heat for a very brief moment, about 3 to 5 seconds, mixing quickly so the oligosaccharide and sugar coat the anchovies without clumping. If you prefer less sweetness, you can omit the sugar.
Step 6
Turn off the heat again and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Step 7
Finally, generously sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of crushed sesame seeds to double the nutty flavor.
Step 8
Gently toss everything together until the sesame oil and seeds are well combined with the anchovies. Your delicious and visually appealing stir-fried anchovies are now ready! Let them cool slightly before storing in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness for a long time.
