Quick & Easy Dried Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Korean Home-Style Staple
Crispy and Savory Dried Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe
Here’s a recipe for ‘geon saeu bokkeum’ (stir-fried dried shrimp), a beloved Korean side dish that can be made in a flash. It’s perfect as a quick side for rice or even as a delicious snack to accompany drinks. The irresistible combination of fresh dried shrimp’s umami, the subtle sweetness from rice syrup (jocheong), and the savory notes of soy sauce creates a universally loved flavor. Plus, its speed of preparation makes it a lifesaver on busy days!
Main Ingredients- Dried shrimp (medium size) – 3 handfuls
Seasoning Ingredients- Cooking oil – 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (regular or dark) – 1.5 Tbsp
- Rice syrup or corn syrup – 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine or mirin – 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic – 0.5 Tbsp
- Cooking oil – 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (regular or dark) – 1.5 Tbsp
- Rice syrup or corn syrup – 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine or mirin – 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic – 0.5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried shrimp. If there are many broken bits, gently sift them through a fine-mesh sieve to remove. If your dried shrimp are straight from the freezer, preheat a dry pan over medium-low heat. Add the shrimp alone and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until any moisture has evaporated. This step helps achieve an extra crispy texture, making the final dish even more delicious.
Step 2
In a pan, heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the prepared dried shrimp, 1.5 Tbsp of soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of rice syrup or corn syrup, 1 Tbsp of cooking wine or mirin, and 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients and continue to stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb the flavors.
Step 3
Once the dried shrimp are well-coated with the seasoning, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 0.5 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds just before turning off the heat. Toss gently to combine. Avoid stir-frying for too long, as the shrimp can become tough. The residual heat will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Let the finished stir-fry cool in a well-ventilated area to maintain its crispiness for longer.