Crispy Nut and Anchovy Stir-Fry
Crispy as a Snack! Nut and Anchovy Stir-Fry
A crunchy anchovy stir-fry, like scorched rice, packed with various nuts. It’s a delightful side dish that’s perfect with rice or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack.
Main Ingredients- Small dried anchovies 400g
- Mixed nuts 300g (walnuts, almonds, peanuts, etc., to your preference)
Seasoning & Other Ingredients- Cooking oil (canola oil, grapeseed oil, etc.) 4-5 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin or Sake) 2 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide or corn syrup 3-4 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1-2 Tbsp
- Cooking oil (canola oil, grapeseed oil, etc.) 4-5 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin or Sake) 2 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide or corn syrup 3-4 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1-2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, place the mixed nuts in a zip-top bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin or by hand. It’s best to crush them to a size where they still offer a slight crunch, rather than making a fine powder.
Step 2
Shake the small dried anchovies in a sieve to remove any fine dust. Heat a wide and deep wok or pan over medium-low heat and stir-fry the anchovies for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to remove any fishy smell. Continue to stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the anchovies turn golden brown and become crispy. Then, add 4-5 Tbsp of cooking oil and stir-fry for approximately 5 more minutes until the anchovies are extra crispy. (Tip: If you are using a smaller amount of anchovies, reduce the cooking time to prevent burning.)
Step 3
Add the crushed nuts to the pan with the anchovies and mix well. Pour in 2 Tbsp of cooking wine (Mirin or Sake) to remove any residual fishy odor. Stir-fry for about 7-8 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning, until the nuts are nicely toasted and fragrant. The nuts add a rich nuttiness to the dish. (Tip: Using two spatulas to stir simultaneously makes it easier to mix the anchovies and nuts evenly, preventing them from clumping together.)
Step 4
Now it’s time to add sweetness. Add 3-4 Tbsp of oligosaccharide or corn syrup, or adjust to your taste. Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1-2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Your delicious nut and anchovy stir-fry is now ready.
Step 5
Transfer the finished anchovy stir-fry onto a large tray or plate to cool down quickly. It’s important to spread it out while hot to prevent clumping and maintain its crispiness.
Step 6
Once completely cooled, the anchovy stir-fry may harden and clump together. Don’t worry! Simply break it into smaller pieces by hand. This can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed as a side dish, or mixed with warm rice to make quick and easy onigiri (rice balls) for children’s breakfast.
