Stir-fried anchovy is a staple snack in Eastern Asia. Growing up in Taiwan, a tropical island off the coast of China, I love snacking on these crunchy stir-fried anchovies. I remember my mom used to make a whole batch and we would bring some to school to share with friends.
Anchovy Health Benefits
Anchovy is a type of small salt-water fish that is usually consumed whole. Despite its small size, it is a fatty fish that is loaded with brain-boosting EPA and DHA (the good oils).
Since everything in anchovy can be eaten, including the bones, it is extremely high in calcium. A 2 oz serving of anchovy offers a whopping 30% daily value of calcium!
Due to its brain-boosting and bone-building nutritional benefits, anchovy is often considered a holy grail snack for moms-to-be and young children.
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I source my dried anchovy from my local Chinese market, but it is also widely available in Japanese and Korean markets, and online.
What Does Stir-Fried Anchovy Taste Like?
Sweet and chewy without the “fishy” taste?
The dried anchovy is blanched and then stirred with caramelized sugar. All you need is 6 simple ingredients and 10 minutes. You can make a big batch and store it in a container for about a week.
My 3-year-old LOVES these stir-friend anchovies and currently being pregnant, it is my all-time go-to snack!
Ingredients
- 2 oz dried anchovy
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon rock sugar
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- dash of vinegar
- dash of sesame seeds
- dash of white pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil
- Cook dried anchovy in boiling water for about 2 seconds, drain
- 3. Transfer anchovy to a pan and cook on medium heat. Continue to stir the anchovy until you hear popping sounds
- 4. Add sesame oil and white pepper to the anchovy
5. Transfer anchovy to another bowl
- 6. In the same pan, add the rock sugar and oil. Stir until dissolved, about 3 minutes
- 7. Add anchovy and mix
- 8. Add the vinegar and sesame, mix well
- 9. Chill and serve.
- 10. Store in an air-tight container in room temperature for up to 7 days
This stir-fried anchovy is a readily available snack that will be loved by everyone in your family. Since anchovy contains small fish bones, it is not recommended for babies younger than 2-years-old.
Also, dried anchovy is naturally salty so do not over-season with additional salt!
Ingredients
- 2 oz dried anchovy
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon rock sugar
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- dash of vinegar
- dash of sesame seeds
- dash of white pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil
- Cook dried anchovy in boiling water for about 2 seconds, drain
- Transfer anchovy to a pan and cook on medium heat. Continue to stir the anchovy until you hear popping sounds
- Add sesame oil and white pepper to the anchovy
- Transfer anchovy to another bowl
- In the same pan, add the rock sugar and oil. Stir until dissolved, about 3 minutes
- Add anchovy and mix
- Add the vinegar and sesame, mix well
- Chill and serve
- Store in an air-tight container in room temperature for up to 7 days
Notes
This stir-fried anchovy is a readily available snack that will be loved by everyone in your family. Since anchovy contains small fish bones, it is not recommended for babies younger than 2-years-old. Also, dried anchovy is naturally salty so do not over-season with additional salt!
