Crispy Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Bokkeum)
A Deliciously Sautéed Side Dish: Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts
Tired of the usual seasoned bean sprouts? Let’s try stir-frying them instead! Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Kongnamul Bokkeum, a side dish that’s both quick to make and incredibly delicious. Its refreshing crunch makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients for Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts- 1 bag of fresh bean sprouts (approx. 300-400g)
- 1/4 onion (thinly sliced)
- A little green onion (chopped)
- 1 hot pepper (chopped, can adjust spiciness)
- A little red bell pepper (chopped, for color)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- A little cooking oil
- A little sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce)
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (or Korean soy sauce for soup)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce)
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (or Korean soy sauce for soup)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the bean sprouts under running water. After washing, drain them completely in a colander. This is crucial to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy and to maintain a crisp texture.
Step 2
Prepare your vegetables: peel and thinly slice the onion. Chop the green onion and the hot peppers (both green and red) finely. Mince the peeled garlic cloves. Having all ingredients prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a good amount of cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the drained bean sprouts to the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let them steam for about 1 minute. This initial steaming helps them cook slightly while retaining their crispness.
Step 5
As the bean sprouts start to wilt slightly, use a spatula to gently toss them. Stir them around the pan for a short while to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy.
Step 6
When the bean sprouts are almost cooked through, add the seasoning: 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp tuna extract, and 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru. Stir quickly to distribute the seasonings evenly over the bean sprouts.
Step 7
Finally, add the chopped green onions and peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for just another moment, then immediately turn off the heat. The fresh aroma of the onions and peppers will enhance the dish.
Step 8
After turning off the heat, drizzle in a few drops of sesame oil and generously sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Give it a final gentle mix. You’ve now made a delicious Kongnamul Bokkeum! Enjoy this crunchy and savory side dish, a delightful alternative to seasoned bean sprouts.
