Crispy and Spicy Seasoned Bean Sprouts
Best Choice for Lack of Appetite! Crispy, Spicy Bean Sprout Salad Golden Recipe
It’s not always expensive or rare ingredients that make a meal table abundant. In fact, we often find great joy in creating delicious dishes using ingredients that are readily available and affordable. Today, we’ll be making a spicy and sweet seasoned bean sprout salad using ‘bean sprouts,’ an indispensable item on Korean dining tables, that will impress anyone. If you’re tired of bland bean sprout salads, experience an unforgettable taste with the seasoning secrets we’ll share today. Let’s start right now!
Main Ingredients
- 450g bean sprouts
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1 chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Blanching Bean Sprouts
- 1.5 L water
- 1 Tbsp salt
Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp regular gochugaru
- 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp (minced)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (e.g., Kkanari)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1.5 L water
- 1 Tbsp salt
Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp regular gochugaru
- 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp (minced)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (e.g., Kkanari)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. A few bean husks are acceptable, but it’s best to remove any visible debris or spoiled sprouts. Too many husks can affect the texture when eating.
Step 2
2. In a pot, add 1.5 liters of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. The salt helps to enhance the vibrant color of the bean sprouts and adds a subtle seasoning. Add the bean sprouts once the water reaches a rolling boil.
Step 3
3. Cover the pot and boil for exactly 4 minutes. Avoid opening and closing the lid, as this can alter the cooking time. Once the water boils, set a timer for 4 minutes. The key is to maintain their crispiness!
Step 4
4. While the bean sprouts are boiling, finely chop the green onion. Thinly slice the chili pepper and red bell pepper into about 0.3 cm thick rounds. These are for garnish and adding color.
Step 5
5. Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning mix. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp fine gochugaru, 1 Tbsp regular gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp minced salted shrimp, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin), and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Mix everything well. Using fine gochugaru gives a beautiful color, and using both salted shrimp and fish sauce significantly boosts the umami flavor. Mirin helps to eliminate any fishy smell from the bean sprouts and adds a subtle sweetness.
Step 6
6. Once the bean sprouts are cooked, drain them and quickly rinse under cold water. Be careful not to squeeze them too hard, as this can make the stems mushy. Rinse them gently under cold running water, allowing the water to cool them down, which helps preserve their crisp texture.
Step 7
7. After draining the rinsed bean sprouts, add the prepared seasoning mix and toss gently. It’s important to mix them lightly so the seasoning coats everything evenly.
Step 8
8. Finally, drizzle generously with 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and mix once more. Your delicious seasoned bean sprouts are ready! Instead of eating them immediately, chilling them in the refrigerator for about an hour allows the flavors to meld deeper into the sprouts, resulting in a richer taste. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the pre-sliced green onion, chili, and red bell pepper, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Step 9
With their crisp texture and addictively spicy seasoning, these seasoned bean sprouts are a true rice companion! This is a simple yet guaranteed delicious side dish recipe, so be sure to try it. Enjoy your meal! 🙂
