Crispy Seasoned Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Muchim) Recipe: Easy & Delicious
How to Make Crispy Seasoned Bean Sprouts – My Daughter’s Favorite Bean Sprout Dish
Learn how to easily make crispy and delicious seasoned bean sprouts at home that you’ll never get tired of eating. The refreshing, natural flavor of the bean sprouts combined with the seasoning creates a side dish that’s perfect with rice. Here’s a detailed recipe that even beginners can succeed with!
Ingredients for Seasoned Bean Sprouts- 350g bean sprouts (about 1.5 handfuls)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (joseon ganjang)
- 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh bean sprouts. Gently rinse the bean sprouts under running water to remove any husks or debris. If the roots are excessively mushy or dirty, you can trim them slightly with a knife for a cleaner presentation.
Step 2
Bring water to a boil in a pot, enough to cover the bean sprouts. Once boiling, add the bean sprouts and cook. You can leave the lid open to preserve the fresh, crisp flavor of the bean sprouts, or close it for a softer texture – choose based on your preference. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the bean sprouts are just tender but still retain their crunch. Overcooking will make them mushy.
Step 3
Drain the cooked bean sprouts into a colander and immediately rinse them under cold running water to cool them down. This step helps to keep the bean sprouts extra crisp and prevents them from becoming soft. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can crush the bean sprouts.
Step 4
Place the drained bean sprouts in a bowl. It’s best to let them cool slightly before seasoning; this allows the seasoning to distribute evenly and helps maintain the bean sprouts’ crispiness for longer. Seasoning just before serving is ideal.
Step 5
Add the red pepper flakes, soy sauce for soup, salt, and minced garlic to the bowl with the bean sprouts. To avoid crushing the bean sprouts, gently mix them using two chopsticks. Gently tossing them from top to bottom with chopsticks will help maintain their crisp texture. It’s recommended to start with less seasoning and adjust the final taste with salt.
Step 6
Once the initial seasonings are somewhat mixed, add the chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Mix gently again. It’s wonderful that you grew your own green onions, even the roots! Finely chopped green onions will add a lovely aroma and enhance the flavor.
Step 7
Transfer the finished seasoned bean sprouts to a nice serving dish, piling them high. Sprinkle a little more chopped green onion (especially the green parts) and toasted sesame seeds on top for a beautiful presentation and enhanced flavor. Sprinkling sesame seeds on top is a stylish way to indicate that the dish is freshly made and untouched. Enjoy your delicious meal!
