Crispy & Refreshing Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)
A Deliciously Crunchy Bean Sprout Salad Loved by Everyone
As the weather cools slightly, cooking in the kitchen feels more enjoyable! While I can’t visit the market just yet, I’ve been making do with ingredients from my neighborhood store or using up what’s in my fridge. This time, I bought a small bag of fresh bean sprouts from a local shop. To capture their peak crispness and flavor, I immediately blanched and seasoned them. This bean sprout salad is wonderfully crisp and refreshing, making it a delightful side dish. I generally love all namul (Korean seasoned vegetables), but this one is particularly quick and easy! Gather these simple ingredients and enjoy a tasty, fresh bean sprout salad. Have a wonderful weekend! ♡
Main Ingredients- 1 bag bean sprouts (approx. 2 handfuls, after blanching)
- A pinch of coarse salt (for blanching)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- A tiny pinch of MSG or enhancer (optional, to taste)
- A small amount of minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (lightly crushed or ground)
- A dash of black pepper
- Chopped green onions (optional, to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- A tiny pinch of MSG or enhancer (optional, to taste)
- A small amount of minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (lightly crushed or ground)
- A dash of black pepper
- Chopped green onions (optional, to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a generous amount of water to a boil in a pot over high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add a pinch of coarse salt. Adding salt helps maintain the bean sprouts’ crispness.
Step 2
Carefully add the washed bean sprouts to the boiling water and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy. Immediately rinse the blanched bean sprouts under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, then gently squeeze out any excess water with your hands. Excess water can dilute the flavor.
Step 3
Place the drained bean sprouts in a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: salt, optional enhancer, minced garlic, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Be sure to handle the bean sprouts delicately to avoid crushing them.
Step 4
Transfer the well-seasoned bean sprout salad to a serving dish. Enjoy your fresh, crisp, and delicious Sukju Namul Muchim!