Crisp Crab Stick and Bean Sprout Salad: A Delicious and Easy Side Dish
Kids Love This! A Perfect Blend of Crab Stick and Bean Sprouts for a Delicious Side Dish
Introducing a delightfully crisp and flavorful crab stick and bean sprout salad, a perfect side dish that even children will enjoy! The addition of crab sticks lends a wonderful umami depth, and it comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, making it an ideal choice when you’re short on time or need a quick side. This salad is packed with flavor and texture, offering a satisfying crunch from the bean sprouts and a tender, savory bite from the crab sticks. It’s a versatile dish that complements any meal. Let’s get started and make this delicious salad!
Main Ingredients- Fresh bean sprouts 250g (approx. 1.5 handfuls)
- Crab sticks (imitation crab meat) 4 pieces
- Green onion 1/3 stalk
- Cooking oil 1 Tbsp (for sautéing and flavor)
- Toasted sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish)
Seasoning Ingredients- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Salt 1 tsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Salt 1 tsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely mince the green onion. This adds a fresh aroma and subtle sweetness. Next, shred the crab sticks lengthwise into delicate strands, mimicking the texture of real crab meat. Avoid chopping them too finely, as this can diminish the satisfying chewiness. Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth process.
Step 2
Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under cold running water and drain well. Bring about 1 cup of water to a boil in a pot. Add the drained bean sprouts and cover. Blanch them over high heat for approximately 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them to remain crisp and tender, not mushy. Blanching for just 3 minutes is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, transfer the bean sprouts to a bowl of ice-cold water to shock them. This stops the cooking process and preserves their crispness. Once cooled, drain the bean sprouts thoroughly. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands, being careful not to crush them. Proper draining ensures the salad won’t be watery.
Step 4
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained bean sprouts, shredded crab sticks, and minced green onion. Add all the seasoning ingredients: minced garlic, sesame oil, salt, and soy sauce. Gently toss everything together using your hands or chopsticks. The goal is to coat all the ingredients evenly with the seasoning without breaking the bean sprouts or crab sticks. Mix gently until well combined.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the salad for an added nutty flavor and visual appeal. Gently rub the sesame seeds between your palms before sprinkling for a more intense aroma. This flavorful and refreshing crab stick and bean sprout salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
