Crispy Seasoned Bean Sprouts
The Golden Recipe for Perfectly Crunchy Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Muchim)
Let’s make a simple yet delicious Korean staple: seasoned bean sprouts. This recipe guarantees a delightful crunch!
Ingredients- 1 bag bean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oligosaccharide (or honey/sugar)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1/4 chili pepper (red or green, optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 stalk scallion (approx. 20g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start making our crispy seasoned bean sprouts! They’re delicious on their own and also make a fantastic addition to bibimbap. Let’s make this classic side dish together!
Step 2
The key to great bean sprouts is cooking them without getting a fishy smell and keeping them crunchy. You have two options for boiling: either keep the lid completely closed from start to finish, or leave the lid completely open the entire time. While the exact time depends on the amount, aim to boil them for about 6 minutes, just until they’re blanched. Overcooking will make them mushy, losing that satisfying crunch.
Step 3
Immediately after boiling, rinse the bean sprouts under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain them thoroughly. This step helps maintain their crispiness and gives them a vibrant, appealing appearance.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the aromatics and seasonings. Finely chop the scallion and add it to the blanched bean sprouts. If you’d like a little heat, finely chop a red or green chili pepper and add it in as well.
Step 5
Add all the seasoning ingredients to the bowl with the bean sprouts and scallions. We’ll use 1/2 tsp salt for seasoning, 1 tsp oligosaccharide for a touch of sweetness, plus sesame seeds, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp minced garlic. Now, gently mix everything together with your hands. Avoid over-mixing, as this can break down the bean sprouts and make them mushy. Just gently toss until everything is well combined.
Step 6
Voila! Your delicious and perfectly crunchy seasoned bean sprouts are ready. This simple side dish is a wonderful addition to any Korean meal, guaranteed to liven up your palate!
