Korean Bean Sprouts
Korean Bean Sprouts Recipe - A Vegetarian Dish from Korea
Introduction
Korean Bean Sprouts is a popular side dish in Korean cuisine that is not only delicious but also nutritious. This simple recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a versatile dish for any meal.
History
Bean sprouts have been a staple in Korean cuisine for centuries, with records of their consumption dating back to ancient times. The dish is believed to have originated in Korea and has since become a beloved side dish that is enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb (227 g) of bean sprouts
- 1 tsp of salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp of minced garlic
- 0.25 cup of finely chopped green onions
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
How to prepare
- Place the bean sprouts in a pot of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain the bean sprouts thoroughly.
- Transfer the bean sprouts back to the pot.
- Add salt, sesame seeds, sesame oil, garlic, cayenne, and green onions to the pot.
- Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve the dish hot or cold.
Variations
- Add sliced carrots or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
- Substitute soy sauce for salt for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to thoroughly drain the bean sprouts after boiling to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Adjust the amount of salt and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Korean Bean Sprouts can be served as a side dish alongside rice and other Korean dishes.
Cooking Techniques
Boiling, simmering
Ingredient Substitutions
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for salt.
- Chopped chives can be used in place of green onions.
Make Ahead Tips
Korean Bean Sprouts can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with additional sesame seeds and green onions for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Korean Bean Sprouts pair well with grilled meats, rice dishes, and other Korean side dishes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Korean Bean Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Korean Bean Sprouts contains approximately 60 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Korean Bean Sprouts contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Korean Bean Sprouts contains approximately 4 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Korean Bean Sprouts contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Korean Bean Sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.
Alergens
This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Summary
Korean Bean Sprouts are a low-calorie, nutritious side dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Korean Bean Sprouts is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold. With its simple ingredients and flavorful seasonings, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Korean Bean Sprouts. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sun-Hwa in her tiny kitchen in Seoul. As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the most incredible aroma - a mix of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil that made my mouth water.
Sun-Hwa was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bean sprouts that were sizzling in a delicious sauce. She smiled at me and motioned for me to sit down at the table while she finished cooking. I watched in awe as she effortlessly tossed the bean sprouts in the pan, adding just the right amount of seasoning to make them burst with flavor.
When she finally served me a plate of the bean sprouts, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to culinary heaven. The bean sprouts were perfectly cooked - crisp yet tender, with a hint of sweetness that balanced out the savory sauce. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
Sun-Hwa chuckled at my enthusiasm and graciously agreed to teach me her recipe. As we cooked together, she shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to make the dish, passing down the recipe through generations. I felt honored to be learning such a cherished family secret, and I vowed to carry on the tradition in my own kitchen.
After several hours of cooking and tasting, Sun-Hwa deemed me ready to make the bean sprouts on my own. She packed up a container of the dish for me to take home, along with a handwritten recipe that she had translated into English just for me. I left her house feeling like I had been given a precious gift, one that I couldn't wait to share with my own family.
Back at home, I immediately set to work recreating Sun-Hwa's Korean Bean Sprouts. I gathered all the ingredients - bean sprouts, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions - and followed the recipe to a tee. As the aromas filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me.
When I served the dish to my family that evening, they were blown away by the flavors. My husband declared it the best bean sprouts he had ever tasted, and my children eagerly asked for seconds. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our household, a dish that would be cherished and enjoyed for years to come.
As time went on, I continued to perfect the recipe for Korean Bean Sprouts, adding my own little twists and tweaks to make it uniquely mine. I experimented with different seasonings, cooking methods, and garnishes, always striving to create the most delicious version of the dish possible.
Whenever I made the bean sprouts, I couldn't help but think of Sun-Hwa and the day she had shared her recipe with me. I felt a deep connection to her and her family, knowing that I was keeping their culinary heritage alive through my own cooking.
Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and anyone who would listen. I loved seeing their faces light up as they tasted the dish for the first time, their eyes widening in delight at the explosion of flavors in their mouths.
As I grew older, I realized that my love for cooking and sharing recipes had become my legacy. My grandchildren would come over for dinner and beg me to make the Korean Bean Sprouts, just like their parents had done before them. I would watch them eagerly devour the dish, knowing that I had passed down a piece of my own culinary journey to them.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of bean sprouts that are sizzling in a delicious sauce, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have learned over the years. Each one tells a story, a tale of tradition, family, and love that can be tasted in every bite.
And as I take a bite of the Korean Bean Sprouts, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Seoul, learning the recipe from Sun-Hwa. I smile to myself, knowing that I am part of a culinary lineage that stretches back through generations, and that I am carrying on a tradition that will live on long after I am gone.
Categories
| Bean Sprout Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Korean Recipes | North Korean Vegetarian | Sesame Oil Recipes | Sesame Seed Recipes |