Vibrant stir-fried vegetables provide a stunning backdrop to crispy, golden-brown sardines with a slight glaze rest atop, complemented by a smattering of sesame seeds and flecks of thinly cut red chilies. The dish is served in a shallow black bowl and garnished with a sprig of fresh cilantro. The juxtaposition of colors makes for a vibrant, texturally exciting dish that begs to be photographed.

Crispy Sardine Stir-fry with Hints of Ginger and Star Anise

Name: Crispy Sardine Stir-fry with Hints of Ginger and Star Anise
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: sardines, 8 cleaned and gutted; garlic, 4 cloves finely minced; ginger, 1 piece, 2 inches finely julienned; green bell pepper, 1 julienned; red bell pepper, 1 julienned; carrot, 1 julienned; star anise, 2 pods; soya sauce, 4 tablespoons; oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons; sesame oil, 2 tablespoons; cornstarch, 1 tablespoon dissolved in water; sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon lightly toasted; red chili, 1 finely chopped; sunflower oil, for frying; salt, to taste

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 15 minutes

Style Chinese

Technique Frying

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: September 05, 2024

Sardines inspire this excitingly uncommon recipe, coupled with wonderful and delicate flavors from Chinese cuisine. Sardines are not only versatile but are also full of nutrients and omega 3s, making it a heavenly treat for both your palate and health. This dish is an excellent showcase of how delicious and enjoyable sardines can be if presented correctly, and will truly be an eye-opener for those who haven't discovered their love for these tiny fish yet.

Ingredients (for 2)

Sardines - 8 - cleaned and gutted
Garlic - 4 cloves - finely minced
Ginger - 1 piece, 2 inches - finely julienned
Green bell pepper - 1 - julienned
Red bell pepper - 1 - julienned
Carrot - 1 - julienned
Star anise - 2 pods
Soya sauce - 4 tablespoons
Oyster sauce - 2 tablespoons
Sesame oil - 2 tablespoons
Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon - dissolved in water
Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon - lightly toasted
Red chili - 1 - finely chopped
Sunflower oil - - for frying
Salt - - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🐟🧂🖐

Pat the sardines dry and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Step 2 - 🌻💧🔥

Heat the sunflower oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
Step 3 - 🐟🍳🟡

Fry the sardines until crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 4 - 🥘🧄🌶️

Remove most of the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Then Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Step 5 - 🫑🥕🌶️⭐

Add the bell peppers, carrot, chili, and star anise. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6 - 🥣🥢🥘

Mix in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Step 7 - 🥣🥡✨

Pour in the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 8 - 🐟🥘🍯

Add the crispy sardines back into the pan and stir carefully to coat in the sauce.
Step 9 - 🍴🌰✨

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve immediately.

Additional

This dish is best served with steamed jasmine rice or noodles, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or addition of more heat via chili peppers. For kids or those not fond of spicy foods, the chili can be omitted. The usage of star anise imparts a subtle background sweetness that's customary in many Chinese dishes. You may also add more vegetables or substitute oyster sauce with hoisin for a vegetarian-friendly version.