Spicy and Sweet Red Seasoned Bean Sprouts
Crispy & Flavorful ‘Red Seasoned Bean Sprouts’ Recipe: A Perfect Side Dish (Mastering Bean Sprout Boiling Time)
Enjoy the perfect pairing with samgyeopsal (Korean grilled pork belly) by making this spicy and sweet red seasoned bean sprouts! This recipe will guide you to create bean sprouts with a wonderfully crisp texture. Make a delicious side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, right in your own kitchen!
Basic Ingredients for Seasoned Bean Sprouts
- 1kg bean sprouts (thoroughly washed)
- 3 Tbsp salt (for blanching bean sprouts)
- 3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 4 lettuce leaves (optional, for added freshness)
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning Mix
- 7 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce for soup)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
- 7 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce for soup)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1kg of fresh bean sprouts. Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any debris and let them drain. Wash the 4 lettuce leaves you’ll be using as well. (These are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor.)
Step 2
Pour enough water into a pot to cover about half of the bean sprouts. Blanching bean sprouts in plenty of water helps keep them crisp and free from any unpleasant smell.
Step 3
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add 3 tablespoons of salt for blanching. When the water is boiling vigorously, add the bean sprouts and cook for precisely 4 minutes. Overcooking will make them mushy, so timing is key!
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, rinse the bean sprouts in cold water 2-3 times to cool them down quickly. This step is crucial for maintaining their crisp texture. Drain the rinsed bean sprouts thoroughly in a colander; residual water can dilute the seasoning.
Step 5
While the bean sprouts are cooling, let’s make the delicious seasoning mix. In a large bowl, combine 7 tablespoons of gochugaru, 3 tablespoons of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of tuna extract, 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of fragrant sesame oil. Mix all the ingredients well until they are evenly incorporated. Pre-mixing the seasoning ensures a uniform flavor.
Step 6
Add the thoroughly drained bean sprouts to the bowl with the seasoning mix. Gently toss everything together to ensure the seasoning coats the bean sprouts evenly. Be careful not to crush the sprouts while mixing.
Step 7
Mix well, checking that the seasoning is evenly distributed and beautifully coats the bean sprouts. They are starting to look like a vibrant, appetizing red side dish!
Step 8
Finally, add the 4 washed and roughly chopped lettuce leaves to the bowl. Gently mix them with the seasoned bean sprouts once more. The freshness of the lettuce adds another layer of deliciousness.
Step 9
Voila! Your ‘Red Seasoned Bean Sprouts’ are ready, boasting a delightful crispness and a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors. They look as delicious as they taste!
Step 10
Store the prepared bean sprout salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will last for several days as a convenient side dish. Making a larger batch ensures you always have some on hand.
Step 11
Serve today’s portion of seasoned bean sprouts attractively on a plate. This fresh, flavorful side dish is wonderful on its own.
Step 12
While delicious with plain rice, these seasoned bean sprouts are an absolute must-have when enjoying samgyeopsal. They cut through the richness of the pork and enhance the overall flavor, creating a truly harmonious bite. Don’t miss out on this perfect combination!
