Sesame Oil Infused, Crispy Bean Sprout Salad
How to Make Bean Sprout Salad with Sesame Oil (Easy Side Dish Recipe)
Today, we’re making a super simple yet delicious bean sprout salad, with a special touch of perilla oil! We’ll blanch the bean sprouts for a vibrant look with chili powder and season them with salt for a clean, refreshing taste. If you’re wondering whether to use sesame oil or perilla oil, I highly recommend perilla oil. While I used to use regular sesame oil, I’ve been hooked on the flavor of bean sprout salad made with perilla oil ever since I tried it. Shall we get started on this delightful side dish?
Main Ingredients- 500g bean sprouts
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or 2 Tbsp for richer flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (crushed or whole)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or 2 Tbsp for richer flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (crushed or whole)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water two to three times. You don’t need to trim the heads or tails; using them as is will enhance the natural texture and flavor.
Step 2
When blanching the bean sprouts, add just enough water to cover about half of the sprouts. If you use too much water, the flavor of the bean sprouts can become diluted.
Step 3
Here’s a crucial tip for minimizing any ‘bean sprout smell’: always blanch the bean sprouts with the lid OFF the pot. Opening and closing the lid can trap steam and intensify the raw smell.
Step 4
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add the bean sprouts and give them a gentle stir. The cooking time is very short. Aim to blanch them for no more than 1 minute after the water returns to a boil, to maintain their crispiness.
Step 5
If you prefer your bean sprout salad warm, you can proceed to season them immediately. However, for a truly crisp and refreshing salad, drain the hot sprouts and immediately rinse them under cold water to cool them down. This step is key to achieving that satisfying crunch.
Step 6
After cooling the blanched sprouts in cold water, drain them well in a colander. Avoid squeezing them by hand, as this can break them. Let the water drain naturally for the best texture.
Step 7
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained bean sprouts with 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp salt, 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp perilla oil (use 2 Tbsp if you love a richer sesame flavor), and 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds.
Step 8
Now, gently mix everything together with your hands. Be careful not to mash the bean sprouts. The goal is to evenly distribute the seasonings without compromising their texture.
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious bean sprout salad with perilla oil is ready. Doesn’t it look appetizing?
Step 10
This bean sprout salad is incredibly easy to make, yet it’s one of the best side dishes for any meal. The crisp texture combined with the subtle, nutty aroma of perilla oil will fill your mouth and have you reaching for more rice. Give it a try!
