Tazukuri (Candied Anchovies)

Instructions

1. In a dry frying pan (no oil), toast tazukuri on medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes or until crispy.
2. Next, add toasted white sesame seeds to the frying pan and toast for 2 minutes. Shake the pan constantly so the sesame seeds don’t burn. When you can break an anchovy into two pieces with your fingers, transfer the anchovies and sesame seeds to the lined baking sheet.
3. To the now empty frying pan, add sake, soy sauce, and sugar. Give a quick stir. Then add honey and neutral oil.
4. Bring it to a simmer on medium-low heat. Then, reduce the sauce until it thickens and you can draw a line through the sauce on the pan‘s surface with a silicone spatula.
5. Add the anchovies and sesame seeds back to the pan and coat well with the sauce. Once the anchovies are nicely coated with the sauce, transfer them back to the lined baking sheet. Spread the anchovies to let cool.
6. Once cooled, serve at room temperature to enjoy.