Crispy Bean Sprout Salad (Kongnamul Muchim): The Ultimate National Side Dish Recipe
The beloved national side dish, Kongnamul Muchim! Discover the secret to its incredible crispiness.
Kongnamul Muchim, loved by everyone! Boiling in plain water can diminish its crispiness. Try this method of steaming with only the bean sprouts’ natural moisture for a much crunchier and tastier result. It’s a perfect side that will have you reaching for more rice!
Main Ingredients
- 150g Bean Sprouts (choose fresh, plump ones)
- 2 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (using Korean anchovy sauce adds umami!)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (freshly minced garlic offers the best aroma)
- 1/2 Scallion (finely chopped)
- Sesame Oil (fresh sesame oil for a nutty fragrance)
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (lightly crushing whole sesame seeds enhances flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water. Remove any roots or damaged parts. It’s crucial to drain them completely in a colander, as excess water can lead to a raw ‘green’ smell when seasoned.
Step 2
Finely chop the scallion. If chopped too thick, the seasoning might not penetrate well, so thin slices are recommended.
Step 3
Now, arrange the bean sprouts neatly in a pot. It’s better to fill the pot loosely rather than packing them tightly.
Step 4
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook over very low heat for just about 4 minutes. Steaming them with their own moisture is key to preserving their crunch. After turning off the heat, let them sit for an additional 2 minutes using residual heat. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy!
Step 5
Transfer the cooked bean sprouts immediately to a wide bowl and let them cool down slightly. Seasoning them while still hot can make them watery and lose their crisp texture.
Step 6
Once the bean sprouts have cooled a bit, add the minced garlic, chopped scallion, anchovy sauce, and nutty sesame oil.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds, lightly crushed for extra fragrance.
Step 8
Now, gently mix all the ingredients with your hands. The key is to toss them softly without crushing the bean sprouts.
Step 9
Transfer the deliciously seasoned, crispy Kongnamul Muchim into a container. Your fresh and crunchy bean sprout salad is ready!
