Crisp Seasoned Bean Sprouts
The Essential Recipe for Crunchy Bean Sprout Salad
Learn how to make the most basic yet delicious, crisp bean sprout salad that’s perfect as any side dish. Enjoy fresh and flavorful seasoned bean sprouts easily at home!
Main Ingredients- 1 bag of bean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Salt (to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh bean sprouts thoroughly under running water. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the bean sprouts for about 3-5 minutes. To eliminate any beany smell and maintain a crisp texture, it’s best to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water and cover the pot while blanching. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Step 2
Immediately drain the blanched bean sprouts in a colander. Then, rinse them under cold running water 2-3 times. This helps to cool them down and preserves their crispiness. Ensuring the bean sprouts are well-drained is key to preventing the seasoning from becoming watery or diluted.
Step 3
Place the drained bean sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Spread them out evenly so they don’t clump together, which will help the seasoning mix in better.
Step 4
Add 1.5 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) from your prepared seasoning ingredients. This is crucial for giving the bean sprouts their appealing color.
Step 5
Finely chop the Korean green chili pepper and add it, or you can omit it if you prefer. If you like a spicy flavor, remove the seeds before chopping.
Step 6
Add 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic. The garlic aroma will significantly enhance the overall flavor of the bean sprout salad. Avoid using too much, as it can overpower the dish; use a moderate amount.
Step 7
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of fragrant sesame oil and add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The nutty flavor of the sesame oil and the slight crunch of the seeds will complete the taste of this dish.
Step 8
Now, gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands. The key is to toss them softly so you don’t mash the bean sprouts. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sprouts. Taste and adjust with a little salt if needed.
Step 9
Your simple yet delicious crisp seasoned bean sprouts are ready! They are wonderful served over a bowl of warm rice, like a simple bibimbap topping, or as a side dish with other Korean meals. Enjoy your meal with this fresh and healthy bean sprout salad!
