Crispy Dried Anchovy and Pumpkin Seed Stir-fry
Super Simple 3-Ingredient Seasoning! The Ultimate Crispy Anchovy Stir-fry with Pumpkin Seeds
This is our signature crispy anchovy stir-fry, made incredibly simply with just three seasonings! It’s savory and delicious without any soy sauce, using a salt-based seasoning. The addition of pumpkin seeds adds a delightful crunch. It’s a perfect side dish that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time!
Main Ingredients- 1/3 cup small dried anchovies (lightly pan-fry in a dry pan to remove moisture)
- 15g pumpkin seeds
- 5g red bell pepper (finely minced)
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Gently shake the small dried anchovies in a sieve to remove any debris. Check the pumpkin seeds for any impurities. Wash the red bell pepper, remove the seeds, and then mince it very finely. Preparing the ingredients beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Finely mince the prepared red bell pepper into very small, uniform pieces. The color of the bell pepper will add visual appeal to the stir-fry and impart a subtle sweetness. Since it’s used as a garnish, mincing it as small as possible is ideal.
Step 3
Get a clean, dry pan. Add the prepared pumpkin seeds and small dried anchovies to the pan without any oil. Frying them in a dry pan like this helps to remove the moisture from the anchovies, making them extra crispy.
Step 4
Place the pan over medium-low heat and slowly stir-fry the pumpkin seeds and anchovies for about 1 minute. Stir gently with a spatula to prevent burning and ensure the anchovies become evenly crispy. Fry until the anchovies are brittle to the touch.
Step 5
Here’s a crucial tip to prevent the anchovy stir-fry from becoming too hard: Turn off the heat completely! Cooking with residual heat only will help maintain a pleasant texture. With the heat off, add the finely minced red bell pepper and stir for another 10 seconds in the residual heat to lightly cook the bell pepper, keeping its slight crunch.
Step 6
Now it’s time to add the seasonings. Using the residual heat of the pan, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir quickly for 10 seconds to coat the anchovies evenly with the seasoning. Finally, add 0.5 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and mix.
Step 7
Give everything a final toss to combine, and your crispy anchovy and pumpkin seed stir-fry is ready! It stays crispy even when cooled, making it an excellent side dish for lunchboxes or simply to enjoy on its own. Enjoy your delicious meal!
