Spicy Seasoned Bean Sprouts Salad (Kongnamul Muchim)
Easy and Delicious Spicy Bean Sprouts Salad Side Dish
Learn how to make a simple and refreshing bean sprouts salad, a staple Korean side dish! This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for beginners. Enjoy the crisp texture and savory, slightly spicy flavor that makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients for Bean Sprouts Salad
- 1 bag fresh soybean sprouts (approx. 300-400g)
- 1/4 carrot, thinly julienned
- 1/4 green onion, finely chopped
Spicy Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/3 Tbsp soy sauce or salt (adjust to taste)
- 2/3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/3 Tbsp soy sauce or salt (adjust to taste)
- 2/3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the soybean sprouts thoroughly under running water. Place the rinsed sprouts in a pot with about half a cup of water (approx. 100ml). Cover the pot and steam over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make them mushy. Once cooked, immediately rinse the sprouts under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain them thoroughly in a colander. Ensuring they are well-drained is crucial for preventing a watery salad and allowing the seasoning to adhere properly.
Step 2
While the bean sprouts are steaming, prepare the other vegetables. Peel the carrot and julienne it into very thin strips. Thinly cut carrots add a nice color and texture that complements the sprouts. Finely chop the green onion. The mild onion flavor will enhance the overall aroma and taste of the dish.
Step 3
Transfer the well-drained bean sprouts into a mixing bowl. Add the julienned carrots and chopped green onions. Now, add all the seasoning ingredients: soy sauce (or salt), gochugaru, minced garlic, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands, tossing the ingredients until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the bean sprouts. Avoid overmixing, as this can break the sprouts. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt or soy sauce if necessary.
Step 4
Your crisp and spicy bean sprouts salad (Kongnamul Muchim) is now ready! Serve it over warm rice for a delightful meal or as a refreshing side dish with your favorite Korean dishes. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful addition to your table!
