Spicy and Sweet Crispy Anchovy Stir-fry
The Perfect Side Dish! Delicious Anchovy Stir-fry~*
A delightful dried anchovy (jiryeomchi) stir-fry that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, with a kick of spiciness from chili peppers. It’s so good, you’ll finish a bowl of rice in no time!
Main Ingredients- 150g small dried anchovies (or ‘jiryeomchi’)
- 10 whole garlic cloves
- 5 Korean green chili peppers (seeds removed if preferred)
Seasoning & Others- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 5 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey/oligosaccharide)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Generous amount of cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 5 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey/oligosaccharide)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Generous amount of cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the 10 whole garlic cloves and slice them thinly (into slivers). Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry slowly until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Sautéing the garlic beforehand infuses the oil with its flavor and aroma, significantly enhancing the overall taste of the anchovy stir-fry.
Step 2
Once the garlic is golden brown, add the 150g of small dried anchovies. You can use them as they are, or lightly toast them beforehand if you prefer. Next, thinly slice the 5 Korean green chili peppers and add them to the pan. If you like it spicier, you can add more chili peppers or remove the seeds. Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of soy sauce and a little more cooking oil to prevent the ingredients from sticking together.
Step 3
Now it’s time to stir-fry everything together. Increase the heat to medium and use a spatula or chopsticks to gently mix all the ingredients. Stir-fry continuously, ensuring not to break the anchovies. Once the anchovies are cooked and have absorbed some of the flavors, add 5 Tbsp of corn syrup. Corn syrup adds a beautiful sheen and a chewy texture, making the dish even more delicious.
Step 4
After adding the corn syrup and stirring, reduce the heat to low. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and visual appeal. The sesame seeds add a final touch of flavor and make the dish look more inviting.
Step 5
With the heat turned off, give everything a final quick stir using the residual heat of the pan. This ensures the anchovies don’t burn and the seasoning is evenly distributed. Transfer the finished anchovy stir-fry to a serving plate. This dish is a fantastic side for rice and tastes great served warm or cooled down for a chewy texture!
