Easy Korean Bean Sprout Rice (Kongnamul Bap) Recipe Using a Rice Cooker
Nutritious Bean Sprout Rice: Quick & Easy Method with a Rice Cooker & Flavor-Packed Seasoning Sauce
The delightful combination of crunchy bean sprouts, fluffy rice, and a perfectly balanced savory sauce, topped with a sunny-side-up egg, makes this a true ‘rice thief’! Introducing Kongnamul Bap, a dish so easy to make with this rice cooker recipe, even beginners can enjoy a delicious meal.
Main Ingredients for Bean Sprout Rice- 300g fresh bean sprouts (choose sprouts with intact roots for best freshness)
- 1 cup short-grain rice (for 2 servings, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- Pinch of salt (to season the cooking water)
- 2 eggs (prepared as fried or poached eggs, to your preference)
- 1 cup water (equal to the rice volume, adjust according to your rice cooker’s function)
Irresistible Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (sweetness can be adjusted)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma!)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust if using light or dark soy sauce)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (recommended for better flavor)
- 3 stalks green onions (finely chopped, adds a refreshing scent)
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (sweetness can be adjusted)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma!)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust if using light or dark soy sauce)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (recommended for better flavor)
- 3 stalks green onions (finely chopped, adds a refreshing scent)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the rice under running water two to three times until the water runs clear. Gently wash the rice to avoid breaking the grains. Drain the washed rice in a sieve and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Soaking the rice makes the grains much chewier and softer.
Step 2
Place the soaked rice into your rice cooker’s inner pot. Add 1 cup of water, which is the same volume as the rice. (The amount of water may need slight adjustment depending on your rice cooker model and the rice’s condition.) Evenly spread the 300g of fresh, rinsed bean sprouts over the rice. If you notice any damaged parts while washing the sprouts, remove them. Finally, add a pinch of salt to the cooking water for seasoning, and cook using your rice cooker’s standard ‘cook’ setting.
Step 3
While the rice is cooking, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning sauce! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp fragrant sesame oil, 3 finely chopped green onions, and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. (Tip: For a mild sauce suitable for children, omit the chili powder, minced garlic, and red chili peppers. Adults might enjoy adding a bit of spicy chili powder or minced garlic to taste for an extra kick!) Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with chopsticks or a small whisk until well combined. Your simple, flavorful sauce is ready!
Step 4
Once your rice cooker signals that the bean sprout rice is ready, open the lid. Gently fluff and mix the rice and bean sprouts with a spatula. Be careful not to mash the rice grains; the key is to lightly mix them so the crunchy bean sprouts are evenly distributed amongst the soft rice.
Step 5
Scoop the warm, fragrant bean sprout rice into a serving bowl. Top it with a beautifully fried egg (or a soft poached egg, if you prefer) and generously drizzle the prepared special seasoning sauce over everything. Mix well with chopsticks and enjoy! For an even more satisfying meal, consider serving it with kimchi or other side dishes.
