Korean-style serving of Stir-fried anchovies

멸치볶음 · Stir-fried anchovies

Stir-fried anchovies

멸치볶음

What exactly is it?

Dried anchovies are fried and coated in sweet, salty seasoning. Tiny anchovies give a light crunch; larger ones have a stronger fish flavor and firmer bite. Nuts make one variation, while shishito peppers produce a moister side.

Main ingredients

Dried anchovies, soy sauce, sugar or syrup and oil; optional nuts or shishito peppers

Ordering and serving

Small anchovies are eaten whole, including the bones. Check for peanuts, almonds or walnuts if you have a nut allergy.

Origins and changes

This dish uses the keeping qualities of dried fish. In the pepper-and-anchovy version described by the Korea Tourism Organization, the anchovies are fried first, then cooked with peppers and soy seasoning.

Sources checked

Related foods

How do similar dishes compare?

Choose a dish to compare ingredients, flavor and serving style side by side.

Dish to compare

Stir-fried anchovies

멸치볶음

Main ingredients
Dried anchovies, soy sauce, sugar or syrup and oil; optional nuts or shishito peppers
Flavor and character
Dried anchovies are fried and coated in sweet, salty seasoning. Tiny anchovies give a light crunch; larger ones have a stronger fish flavor and firmer bite. Nuts make one variation, while shishito peppers produce a moister side.
How to eat it
Small anchovies are eaten whole, including the bones. Check for peanuts, almonds or walnuts if you have a nut allergy.
Read about this dish →

Stir-fried fish cake

어묵볶음

Main ingredients
Fish cake, onion, scallion, soy sauce, garlic and oil; optional chili flakes
Flavor and character
Sliced fish cake is stir-fried with vegetables and seasoning. A brown version combines soy sauce with sweetness; a red version adds chili flakes. It is soft while warm and becomes springier as it cools.
How to eat it
Fish cake is made from fish, not tofu. Many products also contain wheat flour; ask about both ingredients when relevant.
Read about this dish →
Find nearby food places →

Check the restaurant’s actual menu for the dish you want.