Spicy Anchovy Stir-fry with Garlic: The Ultimate Side Dish
Make a Big Batch! Golden Recipe with Plenty of Garlic and Gochujang Anchovy Stir-fry
When you’re in need of a quick side dish, this anchovy stir-fry is a lifesaver! We’ve made it with plenty of garlic and a flavorful gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce. It’s incredibly delicious and perfect for serving with rice.
Main Ingredients- 200g Anchovies (dried, stir-fry type; removing heads or using small anchovies is recommended)
- 100g Garlic (peeled and thinly sliced into slivers)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the 100g of garlic and thinly slice it into slivers. Slicing them thinly helps to release their aroma and creates a pleasant texture when stir-fried.
Step 2
Prepare your stir-fry anchovies. If you want them extra crispy, lightly toast them in a dry pan (without oil) over low heat to remove moisture. This step enhances their crunchiness. (I used already dried anchovies, so I skipped this.)
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp cooking oil, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix well. Pour this mixture into a pot or pan and heat it over low heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges.
Step 4
Once the sauce is warm and gently bubbling, add the thinly sliced garlic. Increase the heat to medium and stir-fry the garlic, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Continue to stir-fry the garlic until it is completely cooked through and has turned a light golden color. This process mellows the garlic’s pungency and brings out its sweet, nutty flavor, which is essential for a great anchovy stir-fry.
Step 6
When the garlic is nicely cooked, reduce the heat back to low. Add the prepared anchovies to the pan. For a smoother flavor and to add shine, pour in 1 Tbsp of mirin. Gently toss to coat the anchovies evenly with the sauce.
Step 7
Once the anchovies and garlic are well mixed with the sauce, turn off the heat completely. Stir in 2 Tbsp of corn syrup (or oligosaccharide) to add gloss and a touch of sweetness. Toss gently using the residual heat of the pan to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overcook, as the anchovies can become too hard.
Step 8
Transfer the finished stir-fry to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and visual appeal. Your delicious spicy anchovy stir-fry with garlic is now ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
