Spicy & Sweet Gochujang Anchovy Stir-fry
Gochujang Anchovy Stir-fry: Deliciously Spicy and Sweet Flavor to Make Rice Taste Heavenly
If the seasoning sauce is delicious, making anchovy stir-fry is a breeze. Memorize this sauce recipe, and you can make not only all kinds of anchovy stir-fries but also dried shrimp stir-fry, squid jerky stir-fry, and shredded beef jerky stir-fry deliciously!
Ingredients- 2 cups anchovies (medium-sized anchovies should be trimmed)
- 1 cup nuts (e.g., slivered almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Anchovies: First, prepare the anchovies. If using medium-sized anchovies, remove the hard heads and fins. For smaller anchovies, you can use them as they are. Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat and toast the anchovies for about 2-3 minutes until they become more fragrant and slightly crisp. This helps reduce any fishy smell. After toasting, place the anchovies in a sieve and gently shake off any powder or small fragments for a cleaner dish.
Step 2
Toast the Nuts: In the same dry pan, add your chosen nuts like slivered almonds or walnuts. Lightly toast them for about 1-2 minutes. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor. Similar to the anchovies, sieve the toasted nuts to remove any dust. (Feel free to substitute with other nuts like peanuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for variety.)
Step 3
Make and Simmer the Sauce: Now, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of apple syrup (or plum syrup), 2 tablespoons of rice syrup (or corn syrup), and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer over low heat until it bubbles gently. This indicates the sauce is ready to be reduced.
Step 4
Combine Anchovies and Nuts: Once the sauce is bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Add the prepared toasted anchovies and nuts to the pan. Quickly toss everything together to coat the anchovies and nuts evenly with the sauce. Turn off the heat immediately after tossing. Be careful not to stir-fry for too long, as this can make the anchovies tough.
Step 5
Add Gloss and Sweetness: With the heat turned off, drizzle another 1-2 tablespoons of rice syrup (or corn syrup) around the edges of the pan. Use the residual heat to toss and coat the anchovies and nuts. This will give the stir-fry a beautiful glossy finish and add a touch more sweetness, making them wonderfully moist and tender.
Step 6
Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the stir-fry for an added nutty aroma. Once slightly cooled, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This spicy and sweet anchovy stir-fry is a fantastic side dish for rice and perfect for packed lunches!
