Spicy & Savory Crispy Bean Sprout Salad
Spicy Bean Sprout Salad with a Red Kick: Deliciously Spicy and Nutty, So Easy!
When my child was young, I could only make plain, white bean sprout salad even when I craved something spicy. Now, I’m so happy I can make it spicy just the way I like it. The spicy, nutty flavor and the wonderfully crisp texture of the bean sprouts are just delightful.
Main Ingredients- 1 bag of bean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- 1/3 Tbsp coarse salt
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- A pinch of seasoned salt (Mat-so-geum)
- 1 Tbsp crushed sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil or sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- A pinch of seasoned salt (Mat-so-geum)
- 1 Tbsp crushed sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil or sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the green onion for the seasoning, preparing about 1 tablespoon. (I used pre-sliced green onions, but finely chopped ones ensure the seasoning coats evenly and tastes better.) It’s best to crush the sesame seeds beforehand; this significantly enhances their nutty flavor compared to whole seeds.
Step 2
Boil a generous amount of water in a pot and add 1/3 tablespoon of coarse salt. Once the water is boiling, add the washed bean sprouts and blanch them. Avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy. Remove them as soon as you detect the nutty aroma characteristic of bean sprouts. Depending on the heat, this usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step 3
It’s crucial not to rinse the blanched bean sprouts under cold water! Drain them thoroughly in a colander, then immediately add the seasoning ingredients and mix.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of the prepared green onion, and 1 tablespoon of crushed sesame seeds. For added depth of flavor, I recommend using a mix of perilla oil and sesame oil (1/2 Tbsp each, totaling 1 Tbsp), but if you only have one, using just that will still result in a delicious dish.
Step 5
Now, add the prepared seasonings and gently mix the bean sprouts with your hands. Toss them gently to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. After letting it sit for a moment, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a pinch of seasoned salt. This completes your delicious, spicy, and savory bean sprout salad! Enjoy its wonderful crispy texture.
