Stir-fried Snap Peas with Anchovies
The Perfect Pairing: Savory Anchovies and Sweet Snap Peas – A Delicious Side Dish Recipe
Experience the delightful chewy texture of savory and slightly salty anchovies combined with the tender, vitamin C-rich snap peas, a seasonal summer vegetable, all stir-fried together into a delicious side dish: Stir-fried Snap Peas with Anchovies. While smaller anchovies are often used for children’s dishes, using medium-sized anchovies with the spicy and subtly sweet snap peas, all tossed in a savory soy sauce-based glaze, creates an irresistible side dish that will awaken your appetite. Although snap peas are available year-round thanks to greenhouse cultivation, they are particularly affordable and flavorful when in season. Here’s how to make a nutritious and delicious anchovy side dish using these wonderful seasonal ingredients, step by step.
Main Ingredients- 150g snap peas
- 100g medium anchovies
- 2 Tbsp vinegar (for washing snap peas)
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching snap peas)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 2-3 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 2-3 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s thoroughly wash the snap peas. Place the snap peas in a bowl, submerge them in water, and add about 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Let them sit for about 5 minutes. After soaking, rinse them several times under running water to ensure they are clean. This process effectively removes any dirt or debris from the snap peas.
Step 2
To eliminate any fishy smell from the anchovies and achieve a crispier texture, heat a pan over medium heat and stir-fry the anchovies for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to dry out the anchovies, enhancing their savory flavor. After stir-frying, place them on a sieve and gently shake to remove any loose powder or bits, ensuring a cleaner final dish.
Step 3
After washing and rinsing the snap peas, thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture can cause oil to splatter during cooking. Once dry, trim off the stems. Then, use a fork to prick each snap pea one or two times. If the snap peas are large, it’s a good idea to cut them in half lengthwise as well. This helps the sauce penetrate better.
Step 4
In a pot, bring about 1 liter of water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add about 0.5 tablespoon of coarse salt, then add the prepared snap peas. Blanch them for approximately 1 minute. Be careful not to over-blanch, as this can make the peas lose their crispness.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, transfer the snap peas to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This helps to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Once cooled, drain them thoroughly.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the delicious sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce for saltiness and depth, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce for umami, and 1.5 tablespoons of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup) for a touch of sweetness. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chopped green onion for fresh flavor and 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic for aromatic pungency. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Set aside.
Step 7
All the preparations are complete! In your stir-fry pan, add the medium anchovies and the drained snap peas. Pour all of the prepared sauce over them. Gently toss everything together to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 8
Stir-fry over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The sauce will gradually seep into the snap peas through the pricked holes, allowing the anchovies and peas to meld together harmoniously into a delicious stir-fry. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients beautifully.
Step 9
Finally, turn off the heat and drizzle about two swirls of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal. Give everything a final gentle toss. Your flavorful Stir-fried Snap Peas with Anchovies is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over warm rice for a perfect meal.
