Crispy Soybean Sprout Salad
Crispy Soybean Sprout Salad
How to Blanch Soybean Sprouts for Maximum Crispiness and Time
This simple seasoning is a game-changer! The fundamental soybean sprout salad relies on its crispiness for success. Let’s explore the secrets to achieving that satisfying crunch and the perfect blanching time. This recipe is incredibly easy and can be made quickly, perfect for any day!
Main Ingredients- 200g soybean sprouts
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 imitation crab sticks (kani kama)
Seasoning (teaspoon measurements)- 1 tsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse the soybean sprouts under running water, swishing them around to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off excess water.
Step 2
The first secret to crispiness: vinegar! Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the water. This helps maintain the sprouts’ crisp texture.
Step 3
The second secret is ‘2 minutes’! Add the prepared soybean sprouts to the boiling water. Once the water returns to a boil, precisely blanch the sprouts for 2 minutes. Regardless of the quantity, blanching for about 2 minutes after the water starts boiling again will result in perfectly cooked, crisp sprouts.
Step 4
After blanching for 2 minutes, immediately drain the sprouts and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to cool them down completely. This step is crucial for preserving crispness and preventing the salad from becoming watery. Drain them well in a colander.
Step 5
Place the drained soybean sprouts in a bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients (1 tsp soy sauce for soup, 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 tsp sesame oil) and gently mix to combine. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed. This completes the basic soybean sprout salad.
Step 6
Divide the prepared soybean sprout salad in half, transferring one portion to another bowl. To the remaining half, add the 3 imitation crab sticks, shredded by hand, and gently mix. This creates a second, flavorful version: imitation crab soybean sprout salad!
Step 7
You’ll be amazed at how a single tablespoon of vinegar enhances the crispness! The basic soybean sprout salad is delicious on its own, but the imitation crab version is especially wonderful as a snack with makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or beer.
Step 8
This recipe is great without garlic or green onions, making it perfect for children. Its clean flavor also makes it an excellent choice for ancestral rites offerings (jesa namul).
Step 9
Soybean sprouts require minimal preparation, making this a truly easy and quick side dish. On a day when the weather feels a bit dull, whip this up in no time!
