Spicy Seasoned Bean Sprouts: Simple and Delicious Side Dish Recipe
How to Make Spicy Bean Sprouts (Easy Korean Side Dish)
Today, we’re making a delicious and budget-friendly Korean side dish: Spicy Seasoned Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Muchim)! This dish is not only affordable and yields a generous portion but also incredibly versatile. It’s wonderful as a standalone vegetable dish, pairs perfectly with grilled meats, and is remarkably easy to prepare without requiring any special ingredients. Enjoy its refreshing crunch and savory, slightly spicy flavor that will make you reach for more rice!
Main Ingredients- 400g bean sprouts
- 1 green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the bean sprouts under running water. After washing, drain them well in a colander.
Step 2
Finely chop the green onion. You can also slice it diagonally if you prefer.
Step 3
In a pot, combine 50ml of water and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce (or anchovy sauce) and mix well. Cooking the bean sprouts with a small amount of water and sauce this way allows them to absorb the seasonings naturally while retaining their inherent nutty flavor, offering a richer taste compared to simply boiling them in plain water. It creates a distinct, savory profile!
Step 4
Add the prepared bean sprouts to the pot.
Step 5
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will diminish their crispiness.
Step 6
After 4 minutes, turn off the heat immediately. Keep the lid on and let it sit for about 30 seconds. Then, open the lid and gently toss the bean sprouts to mix them from top to bottom.
Step 7
Do not rinse the cooked bean sprouts in cold water! Drain any excess liquid using a colander and let them cool down slightly until lukewarm. Allowing the steam to escape before seasoning will help the flavors penetrate better and prevent the sprouts from becoming mushy.
Step 8
Once the bean sprouts have cooled slightly, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil first and coat the bean sprouts evenly. This step helps the seasoning adhere well to each sprout.
Step 9
Next, add 1 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic.
Step 10
Add the chopped green onion and gently mix everything together with your hands. Although the sprouts have already been seasoned, taste them and adjust the saltiness if needed. Soy sauce can also be used for seasoning.
Step 11
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds, preferably crushed slightly, for an enhanced nutty aroma.
Step 12
Mix gently once more with your hands until everything is well combined. Your delicious Spicy Seasoned Bean Sprouts are now ready! Enjoy their crisp texture and perfectly balanced spicy-sweet flavor.
