Spicy and Sweet Braised Bean Sprouts: The Ultimate Side Dish!
Spicy and Sweet Braised Bean Sprouts: The Ultimate Side Dish!
Taste of Nostalgia! A Hearty Side Dish for Your Table: Spicy and Sweet Braised Bean Sprouts
This recipe brings back fond memories of my childhood, when my mother would often make braised bean sprouts, which we used to grow ourselves in bean sprout pots. As I get older, I find myself craving the simple dishes that I once found tedious. It’s wonderful how food can connect us to our past. Let’s add a special touch to your meal with these delicious braised bean sprouts!
Main Ingredients- 2kg thick bean sprouts
- A little bit of green onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 cup soy sauce (200ml)
- 4-5 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1-2 Tbsp sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp red chili powder (for spicy flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup soy sauce (200ml)
- 4-5 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1-2 Tbsp sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp red chili powder (for spicy flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully prepare the thick bean sprouts. Trim off the very ends of the roots and remove any spoiled or mushy parts from the heads. Using fresh bean sprouts will result in a much more delicious braised dish.
Step 2
Place the prepared bean sprouts in a pot with 1 cup of water (200ml). Cover and boil briefly. Steaming them is also an option, but a quick boil helps retain their crispiness. After boiling, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. Bean sprouts have high water content, so removing excess water is crucial for the seasoning to penetrate well and prevent a watery dish.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, oligosaccharide, and sugar. Stir well until the seasoning ingredients are fully mixed. Add the squeezed bean sprouts to the seasoning and toss to coat evenly. Begin by simmering over high heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then reduce the heat to medium.
Step 4
After reducing the heat to medium, add the red chili powder for a spicy kick. Continue to braise for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Taste the mixture at this stage and adjust seasoning as needed – add more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar/oligosaccharide for sweetness, according to your preference.
Step 5
You’ll notice the bean sprouts reducing significantly in volume as they cook. Once the sauce is nicely reduced and slightly thickened, add the chopped green onion leaves and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, then mix gently to finish. Your delicious braised bean sprouts are ready!
Step 6
This dish truly highlights the high water content of bean sprouts. If you’re worried about them becoming tough from prolonged cooking, don’t be! They actually develop a wonderfully chewy and satisfying texture. This makes for an excellent, hearty side dish that can be stored for several days. (Tip: If you buy bean sprouts in bulk, you can use some for this recipe and the rest for other dishes!)
