Korean Garlic Scape Anchovy Braise
Quick answer
Maneuljjong-myeolchi-jorim is a Korean pantry side dish of garlic scapes and small dried anchovies glazed in soy sauce, oligosaccharide syrup, and sesame oil.
What makes this special
- Maneuljjong-myeolchi-jorim balances glazed garlic scapes with savory, dry-toasted dried anchovies.
- Dry-toasting anchovies 90 seconds removes fishiness before a short braise
- Oligosaccharide keeps the gloss and moisture longer than sugar for packed lunches
Key ingredients
Core cooking flow
- 1 Trim any tough ends from 250 g garlic scapes, then cut them into 4 cm pieces so they cook evenly.
- 2 Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat and toast the anchovies for 1 minute 30 seconds.
- 3 In the same pan, add 120 ml water, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons ol...
Maneuljjong-myeolchi-jorim is a Korean pantry side dish of garlic scapes and small dried anchovies glazed in soy sauce, oligosaccharide syrup, and sesame oil. The anchovies are coated evenly as the seasoning heats around them, building a sweet-salty shell that deepens into nuttiness with each bite. Garlic scapes are cut into short pieces and stir-fried directly in the sauce without blanching, which keeps them snappy rather than soft. Oligosaccharide syrup holds its shine and moisture longer than plain sugar, and sesame oil is added only at the very end to preserve its aroma. The finished dish keeps for well over a week under refrigeration, making it a reliable weekly batch cook. It travels well in lunchboxes, and spooned over hot white rice the glaze soaks into the grains and brings the whole bowl together.
Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Heat
Trim any tough ends from 250 g garlic scapes, then cut them into 4 cm pieces so they cook evenly.
Shake 70 g small dried anchovies in a sieve to remove powdery crumbs that can make the glaze gritty.
- 2Finish
Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat and toast the anchovies for 1 minute 30 seconds.
As soon as they smell nutty and feel drier, transfer them to a plate so they do not harden.
- 3Control
In the same pan, add 120 ml water, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oligosaccharide syrup, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
Simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring until the syrup loosens and the sauce bubbles evenly.
- 4Control
Add the garlic scapes and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, turning them often through the sauce.
They should turn brighter green and bend slightly, while the centers still feel crisp when pressed.
- 5Heat
Return the toasted anchovies and lower the heat to medium-low.
Braise briefly for 2 to 3 minutes, folding gently until the glaze clings to the anchovies and scapes, without boiling long enough to toughen them.
- 6Finish
When only a little glossy sauce remains on the pan bottom, turn off the heat.
Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toss for 30 seconds, then serve warm or cool before refrigerating.
After the steps
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