Crispy Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts
[Solo Meal] Crunchy Bean Sprouts Stir-Fry
This reminds me of the bean sprout stir-fry my mom used to make when I was little, which I’d mix with rice. It’s just as delicious! Here’s a simple and flavorful side dish that will whet your appetite with its crisp texture and savory taste.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (approx. 380g) bean sprouts
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 handful onion (sliced)
- 1 handful green onion (chopped)
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 Korean chili pepper (thinly sliced)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare one bag (about 380g) of fresh bean sprouts. Wash them thoroughly under running water. If the roots are particularly dirty, you can trim them for a cleaner presentation. Drain them well in a colander.
Step 2
Place the drained bean sprouts into a pan. Add 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes and toss to coat the sprouts evenly, allowing them to absorb the color.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a fragrant aroma. The garlic will meld beautifully with the bean sprouts, creating a more flavorful dish.
Step 4
Add a handful of chopped green onions for sweetness and aroma. (Pro-tip: If you buy a lot of green onions or onions, you can prep and freeze them in portions. This makes them super convenient to use whenever you cook!)
Step 5
Add a handful of sliced onions for natural sweetness. As the onions cook, they release a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the bean sprout stir-fry.
Step 6
For a touch of heat, add half of a thinly sliced Korean chili pepper. If you’re cooking for children or prefer less spice, feel free to omit or adjust the amount.
Step 7
Pour 3 tablespoons of cooking oil into the pan. Combine all the ingredients and begin to stir-fry over medium-high heat. Stir-frying at this temperature helps maintain the bean sprouts’ crisp texture.
Step 8
While stir-frying, I realized I hadn’t seasoned it yet, so I’m adding half a tablespoon of salt! Taste as you go and adjust the saltiness to your preference. You can add a little more at the end if needed.
Step 9
Using a spatula or chopsticks, toss and stir the ingredients continuously. Keep the bean sprouts moving in the pan so they cook evenly.
Step 10
Continue to stir-fry until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted but still retain a pleasant crunch. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Taste and add more salt if necessary, stir-frying a bit more until perfectly seasoned. Your delicious bean sprout stir-fry is ready!
Step 11
Transfer the perfectly stir-fried bean sprouts to a nice glass dish.
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds generously over the top for an extra nutty aroma and visual appeal. Your delicious bean sprout stir-fry is complete!
Step 13
Enjoy this with a hearty dinner tonight, perhaps with some squid and radish soup and fresh kale wraps! It makes a fantastic side dish, and don’t forget the leftover sauce at the bottom – mixing it with rice is another delightful way to savor every bite. Absolutely delicious!
