Spicy Stir-Fried Anchovies

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) dried anchovies 250g (8.8 oz) dried anchovies
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried anchovies under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a marinade.
3. 3.
   Add the dried anchovies to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Add the marinated anchovies to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until they become slightly crispy.
6. 6.
   Drizzle sesame oil over the anchovies and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and transfer the Spicy Stir-Fried Anchovies to a serving dish.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as a side dish or use as a topping for bibimbap or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — Make sure to rinse the dried anchovies thoroughly to remove any excess saltiness. Pat them dry before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate the anchovies evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the marinade.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang in the marinade.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve the Spicy Stir-Fried Anchovies at room temperature for a different texture and flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Stir-Fried Anchovies as a banchan (side dish) alongside steamed rice, kimchi, and other Korean dishes. It also makes a delicious topping for bibimbap or noodles, adding a burst of flavor and texture.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Stir-Fried Anchovies with a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in a traditional Korean ceramic dish to enhance the visual appeal.