Crispy Seasoned Bean Sprouts
The Key to Perfectly Crispy Bean Sprouts!
This recipe introduces how to make delicious, crispy seasoned bean sprouts easily at home. I’ve made them with a mild white seasoning, perfect for kids and those who prefer a non-spicy dish. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add gochugaru (red pepper flakes). This recipe focuses on bringing out the fresh, clean flavor of the bean sprouts. You can also add leftover vegetables from your fridge for extra color and texture. These seasoned bean sprouts are a perfect side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 1 bag of bean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- A little bit of green onion (scallion)
- A little bit of carrot
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds (or ground sesame seeds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the bean sprouts by rinsing them thoroughly. Remove any wilted or spoiled parts. If there are many loose bean skins, give them a gentle rinse. Washing them several times under running water until the water runs clear will ensure they are fresh.
Step 2
Boil plenty of water in a pot and add about half a tablespoon of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the prepared bean sprouts and blanch them for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Maintaining a slightly crisp texture is key!
Step 3
While the bean sprouts are blanching, finely chop the green onion and julienne the carrot. The carrot adds a lovely color to the dish, but it’s optional. Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand if you like.
Step 4
Once blanched, quickly transfer the bean sprouts to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step enhances their crispiness and removes any unwanted odors. Drain the bean sprouts well by squeezing out excess water with your hands, then place them in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and gently toss to coat the sprouts with its fragrant flavor.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the remaining seasonings. Add salt to your preference, along with the chopped green onion and julienned carrot. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Step 6
For mixing seasoned vegetables like this, it’s highly recommended to wear disposable gloves and use your hands. This method ensures the seasoning is distributed evenly and prevents the bean sprouts from breaking apart, unlike mixing with chopsticks. Season with salt to your liking; a slightly salty taste is perfect for a side dish to accompany rice.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds or ground sesame seeds. Adding ground sesame seeds will double the nutty aroma and enhance the overall flavor. Your delicious seasoned bean sprouts are ready!
