Crisp and Aromatic Chives and Bean Sprout Salad
Clear Out Your Fridge! Simple Chives and Bean Sprout Salad Recipe (Great for Kids Too!)
Introducing a recipe for ‘Chives and Bean Sprout Salad’ made with leftover vegetables from your fridge. The fantastic combination of crunchy bean sprouts and fragrant chives, enhanced with a savory dressing, makes it a perfect side dish or a delicious addition to bibimbap. It’s a dish the whole family will love, especially because even picky eaters enjoy it. It’s also an ideal ‘fridge-clearing’ meal to use up those odds and ends. Try making it right now!
Main Ingredients
- 500g Bean Sprouts (1 bag)
- 1 handful Chives (approx. 50g)
- 2 cloves Garlic
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (for boiling bean sprouts)
- 2 tsp Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (for boiling bean sprouts)
- 2 tsp Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin, prepare a handful of chives and a bag (500g) of bean sprouts left in your fridge, along with 2 cloves of garlic. You can adjust the amount of chives based on your preference.
Step 2
First, wash the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water. Place them in a colander to drain. Wash the chives and garlic as well. Trim any wilted leaves or dirty roots from the chives. It’s important to rinse them multiple times under running water and shake off excess moisture thoroughly.
Step 3
In a deep pot, add enough water to generously cover the bean sprouts and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add 1/2 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Adding salt while boiling lightly seasons the bean sprouts themselves and helps them stay crispier.
Step 4
When the water is fully boiling, add all the prepared bean sprouts. It’s best to boil them without the lid to maintain their crunchy texture.
Step 5
About 1-2 minutes after adding the bean sprouts, some might float to the surface. Gently spread these sprouts towards the sides of the pot to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 6
Boil the bean sprouts for exactly 4 minutes after adding them to the boiling water. Overcooking will make them mushy, so adhering to the cooking time is crucial. Check if the bean sprouts are cooked and then quickly remove them to preserve their crispness.
Step 7
Once cooked, immediately drain the bean sprouts and rinse them under cold water about twice. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and enhances their crisp texture.
Step 8
After rinsing in cold water, place the well-cooked bean sprouts back in a colander and drain them completely. Any remaining water can make the salad taste diluted, so ensure they are thoroughly drained.
Step 9
Tip! Don’t discard the water used to boil the bean sprouts. Instead of using plain water or vegetable broth, you can use this water as a base for doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) or other soup dishes to add a deeper umami flavor. For example, making doenjang jjigae with this water results in a wonderfully rich taste!
Step 10
Prepare the seasoning ingredients. Measure out 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
Step 11
Finely mince the 2 cloves of garlic and have 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang) ready.
Step 12
Chop the chives into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Cutting them too long can make mixing difficult, so aim for a manageable length.
Step 13
In a large bowl or a mixing basin, combine the drained bean sprouts, chopped chives, prepared gochugaru, minced garlic, and soy sauce for soup. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to season. Finally, drizzle in 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil and a pinch of sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or soy sauce if needed.
Step 14
Your delicious Chives and Bean Sprout Salad is now complete! The crisp texture of the bean sprouts, the fragrant chives, and the savory dressing come together beautifully. It looks so appetizing!
Step 15
This Chives and Bean Sprout Salad is a fantastic side dish that even children will enjoy. It’s also a perfect ‘fridge-clearing’ meal, so we highly recommend you try making it!
