This is Nazia, back again to share another beloved family recipe with the Food And Meal community. Today I’m delighted to present my take on Stir-Fried Anchovies with Peppers – a dish that brings back fond memories of my childhood.
I have such vivid recollections of my grandmother cooking up these addictively salty, umami-rich anchovies for weekend family dinners. That intense savoriness balanced by the sweet pop of bell peppers was my absolute favorite flavor combination. Even now, one whiff of anchovies frying in olive oil instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen.
Now that I develop recipes professionally, recreating this nostalgic dish has been a true labor of love. Our test kitchen worked hard on achieving the perfect texture – crispy anchovies nestled into blistered, charred peppers. I also aimed to honor my family’s tradition by using high-quality anchovy fillets and keeping the flavor profile simple.
I hope this stir-fry sparks some happy memories for those of you who grew up eating this unique ingredient. And for newbies – don’t be intimidated by anchovies! Their strong flavor mellows out beautifully when paired with sweet veggies. I can’t wait for you all to enjoy this taste of my childhood. Now, let’s take a stroll down memory lane together!
Stir-Fried Anchovies with Peppers Recipe
STIR-FRIED ANCHOVIES WITH PEPPERS
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups dried small anchovies
- 1 green chile, like jalapeño, seeded and sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons mirin
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the anchovies and chile and sauté for 3 minutes and then remove from the heat.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, mirin, and sesame oil and bring to a boil.
- Add the sauce to the anchovy-chile mixture and stir-fry for 2 minutes, or until the sauce is well distributed.
- Serve hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips
Over time, I’ve discovered little ways to coax the maximum flavor from the bold anchovies while still allowing the sweet peppers to shine. I can’t wait to pass on these secrets so you too can recreate the nostalgic essence of this recipe in your own kitchen.
One key thing is to start by marinating the anchovy fillets briefly in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. This infuses them with extra savory depth before hitting the hot wok. I also recommend stir-frying the peppers first to get a nice char. Mixing them together at the end preserves that smoky essence.
While the ingredients are simple, properly balancing the salty fish against the vegetables is key. Adjust amounts until you achieve your ideal flavor profile. A little tinkering goes a long way!
Serving suggestions
My crispy Fried Fish Fillets pair perfectly with a variety of fresh, coastal-inspired sides. For some crunch, I love serving them with a tangy Coleslaw, some Vinegar Potato Salad, or crisp Corn Fritters. The acidity in the sides cuts beautifully through the rich, fried fish.
I also like offering my fish fillets with classic seafood appetizers like Shrimp Cocktail, Buttery Crab Cakes, or lightly fried Calamari. Let your guests build their own beachy sampler plates!
And don’t forget the tartar sauce for dipping! The eggy, lemony condiment takes these fillets over the top. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a light beer or a salty ocean breeze cocktail garnished with an orange wedge.
However you choose to accompany them, these Fried Fish Fillets bring the breezy, carefree essence of coastal vacations right to your dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions of Stir-Fried Anchovies with Peppers
- Can I use frozen anchovies for this recipe? Yes, frozen anchovies can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Is there a milder version for those who can’t handle too much heat? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether for a milder version. You can still enjoy the savory flavors without the intense spiciness.
- Can I substitute anchovies with another protein? Yes, you can replace anchovies with shrimp, tofu, or even chicken if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What type of peppers should I use? Thai bird’s eye peppers are commonly used for this dish, but you can use any hot pepper variety you prefer. Adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
I hope you all enjoyed this sweet stroll down memory lane with my Stir-Fried Anchovies with Peppers recipe. Getting to share this taste of childhood nostalgia with the Food And Meal community has been such a joy.
Don’t forget to visit the Food And Meal website to find the full, detailed recipe so you can recreate this savory dish in your own kitchen. I’ve included plenty of tips to help you achieve the perfect balance of briny anchovies and sweet peppers.
Let me know in the comments if you decide to make these Stir-Fried Anchovies, especially if you try any fun additions or tweaks! I’d love to see your creative spins on this classic recipe. And please share this post if you know anyone else who might enjoy this tasty trip back in time.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.