Fragrant Garlic Anchovy Stir-fry: A Beloved National Side Dish for All Ages
Crispy Anchovies Meet Aromatic Garlic! A Perfect Recipe for Kids’ Side Dishes and Rice Lovers
This anchovy stir-fry is a beloved national side dish, so delicious you’ll never get tired of it, even eating it daily! We’ve elevated the flavor by adding aromatic garlic for an extra layer of fragrance. The key is to lightly toast the small anchovies in a dry pan first; this removes any fishy smell and gives them a wonderfully crispy texture. The subtle aroma of garlic combined with the savory anchovies creates the ultimate side dish that both children and adults will adore, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice. Let’s get started with this fragrant garlic anchovy stir-fry recipe!
Main Ingredients
- 2 handfuls of small anchovies (about 40-50g)
- 10 cloves of garlic (about 10-15g)
- Generous amount of cooking oil (for stir-frying anchovies and garlic)
Seasoning
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or maltose)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or maltose)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, if you are using small anchovies from the freezer, heat a dry pan over medium-low heat and lightly toast them for 1-2 minutes. This step helps to eliminate any fishy odor and remove moisture, ensuring a much crispier and tastier stir-fry when you cook them later! You’ll know they’re ready when the fishy smell dissipates and a savory aroma emerges.
Step 2
After lightly toasting the anchovies, place them in a sieve and gently shake to remove any anchovy powder or small debris. This not only keeps the final dish cleaner but also contributes to a more pleasant texture.
Step 3
Wash the fresh garlic cloves thoroughly, then slice them thinly into rounds. Slicing the garlic this way allows its aroma to infuse more deeply into the dish when stir-fried, and also makes for a softer texture.
Step 4
Preheat your pan, then add about two swirls of cooking oil generously. Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry slowly over very low heat to prevent burning. Cook until the garlic turns golden brown and releases a pleasant, subtle aroma. It’s crucial to cook it gently so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5
Once the garlic is sufficiently sautéed and fragrant, carefully transfer the cooked garlic to a separate plate. Leaving it in the hot pan can cause it to continue cooking and burn, so it’s best to set it aside.
Step 6
Using the same pan where you sautéed the garlic, add the prepared small anchovies. Cooking the anchovies in the pan that still holds the garlic’s fragrance will add even more depth to the flavor of your anchovy stir-fry.
Step 7
Keep the pan over low heat and stir-fry the anchovies. Once they are lightly cooked, add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine and 0.5 tablespoon of sugar, stirring to coat the anchovies evenly. Next, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of corn syrup (about two swirls) and stir-fry until glossy. The corn syrup adds stickiness, helping the anchovies clump together and giving them a beautiful sheen.
Step 8
Now, turn off the heat completely. Add the reserved stir-fried garlic and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Using the residual heat, gently toss everything together with a spatula or spoon until all ingredients are well combined. Your delicious garlic anchovy stir-fry is ready!
