Are you ready to transform humble bean sprouts into a mind-blowing Korean side dish that will make your taste buds dance? This Sookju Namul is not just a salad; it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant, fresh flavors of Korea straight to your dining table in just 15 minutes! Imagine a light, crunchy dish packed with umami goodness that's so simple to make, you'll wonder why you've never tried it before.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mung bean sprouts
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the mung bean sprouts under cold running water, removing any discolored or damaged sprouts.
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Prepare a separate bowl with ice water nearby for blanching.
- Add the bean sprouts to the boiling water and blanch for exactly 30-45 seconds. They should become slightly tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Immediately drain the bean sprouts and transfer them to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright, fresh color.
- After 1-2 minutes, drain the bean sprouts completely and gently pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched bean sprouts with minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt.
- Toss the ingredients gently to ensure even coating and distribution of seasonings.
- Transfer the seasoned bean sprouts to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always choose crisp, white bean sprouts with no signs of browning or sliminess.
- Blanching Technique: Watch the clock carefully when blanching - 30-45 seconds is the sweet spot for maintaining that perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Ice Bath Magic: The ice water bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process and preserving the sprouts' bright color and crunch.
- Seasoning Secrets: Adjust the garlic and sesame oil to your taste, but don't skip the sesame seeds - they add a nutty depth that makes this dish irresistible.
- Serving Tip: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
