Crispy Seasoned Bean Sprouts Salad
♥ [Newlywed’s Table] The Go-To Side Dish: Bean Sprout Salad
Enjoy a crispy and refreshing bean sprout salad, a true taste of happiness for just a dollar! While not fancy, this familiar and delicious banchan (side dish) is a staple on our tables. Let’s dive into this budget-friendly favorite!
Main Ingredients- 1 pack Bean Sprouts (approx. 300g)
- 1/4 Green Onion
- 1/8 Carrot
- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse Salt (for blanching bean sprouts)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- Pinch of Salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Sesame Seeds (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or Jin-ganjang)
- Pinch of Salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Sesame Seeds (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water and drain them. Removing any damaged sprouts or husks beforehand will result in a cleaner dish.
Step 2
Bring a pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the coarse salt – this is one of the secrets to ensuring the bean sprouts stay crisp! The salt helps to remove any ‘fishy’ smell and keeps them delightfully crunchy.
Step 3
Add the prepared bean sprouts to the boiling water and cover the pot. Blanch for about 3 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Aim for that perfect crispness! (Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of bean sprouts. Blanch until the heads of the sprouts begin to open.)
Step 4
Drain the blanched bean sprouts immediately using a colander. Avoid mixing them while still piping hot, as excess water can dilute the seasoning. Let them sit for a moment to cool slightly and allow any remaining water to drain off.
Step 5
While the bean sprouts are draining, finely mince the green onion and thinly julienne the carrot. Having these vegetables prepped makes the seasoning process much smoother.
Step 6
Transfer the drained bean sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, a pinch of salt (adjust to your taste), 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a generous amount of sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together by hand (like kneading dough, but delicately!). Be careful not to mash the bean sprouts. Taste and add more salt or soy sauce if needed, as it might seem a bit bland initially.
Step 7
Once all the ingredients are well combined, your simple and delicious seasoned bean sprouts salad is ready! Serve it with a warm bowl of rice for a satisfying meal.
