Crispy Mung Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)
Crispy Mung Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)
How to Blanch Mung Bean Sprouts for Maximum Crispiness & Delicious Namul Salad Recipe
Mung bean sprouts are an essential Korean side dish, beloved for their affordability, satisfying crunch, and universally appealing mild flavor. They’re a staple on many tables, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Learn how to make this delicious and refreshing salad today!
Main Ingredients- 300g Mung bean sprouts
- 3 stalks Scallions (green part only)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before washing the mung bean sprouts, gently shake them by hand. This helps to naturally remove any loose skins or debris without damaging the delicate sprouts.
Step 2
After removing any loose bits, rinse the sprouts under cool running water about 3-4 times until clean. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 3
Bring about 1 liter (approximately 5 cups) of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. Adding salt helps the sprouts maintain their crisp texture.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the drained mung bean sprouts. Blanch them for precisely 2 to 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This short blanching time is key to preserving their signature crisp bite. Overcooking will make them mushy.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, drain the sprouts and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and enhance their crispness. Ensure all excess water is thoroughly drained using the colander.
Step 6
Transfer the drained sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang), 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and a pinch of seasoned salt. Guk-ganjang adds a deeper umami flavor, and seasoned salt allows for easy adjustment of saltiness.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a rich aroma and a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor. These are essential for the signature taste of this namul.
Step 8
Prepare the garnish by finely chopping the scallions. For added color and flavor, you can also finely julienne some carrots or chop some green onion alongside the scallions.
Step 9
Gently mix the ingredients using your hands or chopsticks. Avoid overmixing or mashing the sprouts. Instead, lightly toss and fold them to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed while maintaining their crisp texture.
Step 10
Arrange the delicious and fragrant mung bean sprout salad on a serving plate. Enjoy this refreshing and healthy side dish with your favorite meal!
