Crispy Bean Sprout Salad (Kongnamul Naengchae)
The Ultimate Crispy Texture! Kongnamul Naengchae Recipe
This Kongnamul Naengchae is a refreshing cold salad featuring the ultimate crunchy texture! It combines tender bean sprouts with a variety of crisp vegetables and savory crab sticks, all tossed in a zesty mustard-based dressing. The bright, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce perfectly complements the fresh ingredients, making it an ideal dish, especially during warmer months. Enjoy this simple yet elegant salad!
Main Ingredients- 200g bean sprouts
- 2 sticks imitation crab meat
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 carrot
Dressing Ingredients- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard (or Korean mustard)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard (or Korean mustard)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the bean sprouts. Place 200g of bean sprouts in a pot with just enough water to cover the bottom. Cover the pot and boil over high heat for about 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should retain a crisp texture.
Step 2
Immediately after boiling, drain the bean sprouts and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This shock in cold water helps maintain their crispness and freshness. Once cooled, drain them well in a colander, ensuring no excess water remains.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the other ingredients. Gently shred the 2 sticks of imitation crab meat into thin strips along the grain. Wash the 1/2 cucumber and 1/4 carrot, then remove the seeds from the cucumber and julienne both vegetables into thin matchsticks. These will add color and more delightful crunch to the salad.
Step 4
Let’s make the delicious mustard dressing. In a medium bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of prepared mustard, 2 Tbsp of vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp of salt, 1 Tbsp of sugar, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined. This vibrant dressing will elevate the flavors of the salad.
Step 5
Add the prepared bean sprouts, shredded imitation crab meat, and julienned cucumber and carrot to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Your crispy and flavorful Kongnamul Naengchae is ready! For an even more refreshing taste, chill it in the refrigerator for a short while before serving.
