Crispy and Fragrant Seasoned Bean Sprouts Recipe
Easy Bean Sprouts Salad Recipe: Simple Blanching and Seasoning Tips
Introducing a recipe for seasoned bean sprouts (sukjunamul) that boasts a delightful crispiness and a subtle, refreshing aroma. Perfect for those who prefer bean sprouts over soybean sprouts, this dish is a fantastic side for any meal, or a wonderful addition to bibimbap and pho. We’ll delve into the fascinating folklore surrounding bean sprouts, along with the secrets to perfectly blanching them for the best texture and flavor, and a special seasoning blend. Create a healthy and delicious meal with fresh bean sprouts!
Main Ingredients- 300g fresh bean sprouts (sukjunamul)
- 3 Tbsp chopped green onion
For Blanching- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (about 5g)
Seasoning Ingredients- 0.7 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (gukganjang) (about 7ml)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (fish sauce) (about 10ml)
- A pinch of fine salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 10g)
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds (about 5g)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (about 10ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (about 5g)
Seasoning Ingredients- 0.7 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (gukganjang) (about 7ml)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (fish sauce) (about 10ml)
- A pinch of fine salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 10g)
- 1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds (about 5g)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (about 10ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I always buy bean sprouts whenever I go to the market because they’re cheaper than at the supermarket, and I enjoy them in ramen or by seasoning them like this. The key to perfectly seasoned bean sprouts is ‘blanching’! If you submerge them in boiling water for exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds, they’ll remain wonderfully crisp while becoming tender. They’re a staple side dish, even during holidays.
Step 2
Bean sprouts are quite delicate and tend to soften quickly, so it’s best to cook them right after purchasing. If you delay even a little, they’ll become limp. Cooking them while they’re fresh ensures the best flavor and texture. Haven’t we all experienced this?
Step 3
To prepare the bean sprouts, placing them in running water helps the skins float to the surface and wash away easily, making it much simpler to clean them. Rinse off the skins thoroughly under running water, then drain.
Step 4
In a pot, add enough water to generously cover the bean sprouts and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the coarse sea salt and then the bean sprouts. Gently stir occasionally to ensure even blanching for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. (The blanching time may vary slightly depending on the amount of sprouts and the heat intensity.) Immediately after blanching, quickly rinse the sprouts under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 5
After draining, gently press the bean sprouts with both hands to squeeze out any remaining water. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can diminish their texture and cause flavor loss. Over-squeezing can result in mushy sprouts or a less crisp texture when seasoned. Place the blanched sprouts in a bowl and add the tuna extract and fine salt for initial seasoning. (Adjust the salt amount to your preference.)
Step 6
Add the soy sauce for soup, chopped green onions, and minced garlic. Mix these ingredients in.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle in the ground sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Gently toss everything together with your hands. After mixing, add the sesame oil and toss once more for added sheen and flavor. (If you’d like to add some color, you can blanch thinly sliced carrots along with the bean sprouts and mix them in.)
Step 8
Transfer the finished seasoned bean sprouts to a serving dish and sprinkle with a few more sesame seeds for a visually appealing presentation.
Step 9
This seasoned bean sprout dish is crispy, not too salty, and delightfully clean-tasting. It has a different charm compared to seasoned soybean sprouts, which is why I make it so often! It’s a healthy side dish that’s never boring, offering a tender yet crisp texture and the unique fragrance of bean sprouts. Enjoy a delicious meal with fresh seasoned bean sprouts tonight!
