Crispy and Delicious Seasoned Bean Sprouts (Sukju Namul)
Easy & Delicious! Crispy Bean Sprouts Namul to Brighten Your Table
When we talk about banchan (side dishes) that make meals complete, namul (seasoned vegetables) always comes to mind! Among them, bean sprouts are one of the most frequently purchased ingredients, along with soybean sprouts. I fell in love with their crisp texture when enjoying them with pho, so I often make bean sprout namul at home. Honestly, there are few side dishes as quick and easy to make as bean sprout namul. So, let’s quickly whip up some delicious seasoned bean sprouts!
Main Ingredients- 200g Mung bean sprouts (Sukju)
- 1 Green or red chili pepper (optional, for color and a hint of spice)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (crushing whole sesame seeds yourself will yield a more fragrant result)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, check the freshness of your bean sprouts and wash them thoroughly under running water. It’s best to carefully inspect them to ensure there’s no dirt or debris.
Step 2
Place the washed bean sprouts in a pot. Creating a slight hollow in the center helps the heat distribute evenly, which is beneficial. Pour 120ml of water into the bottom of the pot.
Step 3
Cover the pot and boil over high heat for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will diminish their crispiness! After turning off the heat, let them sit for about 15 seconds in residual heat to finish cooking gently.
Step 4
While the bean sprouts are cooking, remove the stems from the chili pepper and thinly slice it into julienne strips. If you want a pretty color, using a mix of red and green chili peppers works well. (You can omit the chili peppers if you prefer less spice.)
Step 5
Once the bean sprouts are cooked, quickly rinse them under cold water to cool them down. Rinsing in cold water helps retain their crisp texture. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands and place them in a bowl. (If you’ve completed this step, you’re already 2/3 of the way done!)
Step 6
Now it’s time to mix everything together for a delicious namul! Add sesame oil, soy sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang), minced garlic, salt, crushed sesame seeds, and the prepared sliced chili peppers to the bowl with the bean sprouts. Gently toss and mix with your hands until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the bean sprouts. Your delicious seasoned bean sprouts namul is ready! Enjoy it right away with a hearty bowl of rice!
