Imagine a side dish so simple yet so explosively flavorful that it transforms your entire meal experience! Sookju Namool, a classic Korean banchan, is about to revolutionize your understanding of vegetable side dishes. With its delicate crunch, aromatic sesame notes, and lightning-fast preparation time, this mung bean sprout sensation is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure waiting to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mung bean sprouts
- Garlic, minced
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the mung bean sprouts thoroughly under cold running water, removing any discolored or damaged sprouts.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Prepare a separate bowl with ice water for blanching.
- Add the mung bean sprouts to the boiling water and blanch for approximately 30-45 seconds. They should become slightly tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Immediately drain the sprouts and transfer them to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright, fresh color.
- Drain the sprouts completely and gently pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched mung bean sprouts with minced garlic, sesame oil, and salt. Gently toss to ensure even seasoning.
- Transfer the seasoned sprouts to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve at room temperature as a side dish or banchan alongside other Korean dishes.
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest mung bean sprouts possible. Look for sprouts that are crisp, white, and have minimal discoloration.
- Blanching Precision: The 30-45 second blanching window is crucial. Too short, and sprouts remain too raw; too long, and they'll lose their signature crunch.
- Ice Bath Technique: The ice water bath is not optional—it stops the cooking process and helps maintain that beautiful, bright color and crisp texture.
- Seasoning Balance: Go easy on the salt and sesame oil. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste. The goal is to enhance, not overpower, the sprouts' natural flavor.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: For maximum flavor, lightly toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling them on the dish. This releases their nutty aroma and adds depth to the recipe.
- Serving Tip: While delicious at room temperature, Sookju Namool is best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation to maintain its optimal texture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
