Savory Sausage and Bean Sprout Casserole: The Ultimate Fridge Clean-Out Recipe!
Quick & Delicious Sausage and Bean Sprout Casserole Recipe Using Fridge Staples
Let’s make a fantastic dinner using ingredients you already have at home! This casserole features savory sausages and crisp bean sprouts in a flavorful sauce that’s perfect over rice. It’s a dish the whole family can enjoy, not just for special occasions, and the delicious broth is wonderful for mixing with rice!
Main Ingredients- 300g bean sprouts (washed and prepared)
- 200g Vienna sausages (sliced or scored)
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- Sesame oil, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, to taste
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce for soup)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our delicious casserole: the seasoning! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp sugar, and 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix them well until thoroughly combined. Preparing the sauce in advance makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Wash the fresh 300g of bean sprouts thoroughly. Remove any loose husks or wilted roots for a cleaner taste. After washing, drain them well in a colander.
Step 3
Prepare the 200g of plump Vienna sausages according to your preference. You can score them diagonally or cut them in half for easier eating, especially for children. This makes them look and taste even better!
Step 4
Thinly slice half an onion, peeling off the outer skin first. The onion will add a wonderful sweetness and depth to the broth.
Step 5
Now, let’s give the sausages a quick blanch. Bring 1 cup (200ml) of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Carefully pour the hot water over the prepared Vienna sausages. This step helps to remove any impurities from the sausages, ensuring they are clean and safe to eat.
Step 6
After pouring the hot water, let it sit for a moment. You’ll notice, just like in the picture, that white impurities float to the surface of the sausages. It’s quite fascinating to see!
Step 7
Discard the blanching water. Quickly rinse the sausages under cold running water. Then, place them in a dry frying pan (no oil needed) and stir-fry them over low heat until they are lightly browned. This process removes any gamey odor and enhances their savory flavor.
Step 8
Once the sausages are lightly browned, add 1 cup (200ml) of water to the pan. If you have vegetable broth or anchovy-kelp broth on hand, using it instead of plain water will significantly boost the umami flavor of your dish!
Step 9
After adding the broth (or water), bring the mixture to a rolling boil. A good boil is the foundation for a delicious casserole.
Step 10
Once the liquid is boiling, add the thinly sliced onions to the pan.
Step 11
As the onions begin to soften slightly, add the thoroughly washed and drained bean sprouts.
Step 12
Now, pour all the prepared seasoning sauce into the pan. Gently mix everything together with chopsticks or a spatula. Cook over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bean sprouts are tender but still have a slight bite. Be careful not to overcook, or the bean sprouts can become mushy!
Step 13
Balancing the flavor is key for any casserole. If you feel it needs a little more seasoning, now is the time to add 1 Tbsp of tuna extract. Its deep, savory flavor will perfect the overall taste of the dish. In my recipe, 1 Tbsp of tuna extract was just right!
Step 14
To achieve a nice, thick consistency, we’ll make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water. Whisk them together until smooth and lump-free. It should be a clear, smooth liquid.
Step 15
Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan while stirring constantly. You’ll notice the once-watery broth becoming thicker as the starch cooks. However, bean sprouts release moisture, so the sauce might thin out over time. For the best texture, serve immediately after adding the cornstarch and the sauce has thickened.
Step 16
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a tablespoon of sesame oil over the casserole. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 17
Finally, generously sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Give it a quick stir, and your hearty and delicious Sausage and Bean Sprout Casserole is ready! It’s a perfect centerpiece for a delightful meal.
Step 18
On this occasion, I let it sit for a while before eating, and the sauce did become a bit watery. However, it was so refreshing and not too spicy or salty that everyone enjoyed it! We spooned it over rice like a donburi (rice bowl), and it was a huge hit with both young and old. Enjoy your meal!
