Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts

Stir-fried bean sprouts are a quick and versatile dish that can be on your table in just 10 minutes. These crunchy and nutritious sprouts are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and can be paired with various seasonings and spices to create a flavorful side dish. Serve them with steamed sticky rice or use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the bean sprouts for a satisfying and texturally interesting meal.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons peanut or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
• 1 pound bean sprouts (about 4 cups), trimmed if desired
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger or garlic
• 2 tablespoons any spice blend, such as five-spice powder or curry powder (homemade recipe on pages 66-68)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Add the bean sprouts and minced ginger (or garlic) to the skillet. Increase the heat to high and toss the sprouts to coat them evenly in the oil.
3. Allow the bean sprouts to cook for a couple of minutes until they begin to sputter. Stir them around in the skillet.
4. Sprinkle the spice blend over the bean sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Stir the sprouts again, adding a few drops of water if they start to stick to the pan.
5. Continue stirring the bean sprouts for another minute or two until they are barely tender and the spices become fragrant.
6. Taste the stir-fried bean sprouts and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve the dish hot or at room temperature as a flavorful side dish or a main course.

VARIATION:

• Chile-Sesame Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts: Substitute 1 tablespoon of dark sesame oil for half of the peanut oil. Use Chipotle Paste as a replacement for the spice blend.

TIPS:

• Bean sprouts cook very quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while stir-frying to avoid overcooking. They should be tender but still crisp.
• Trim the bean sprouts if desired to remove any long or tough tails before stir-frying.
• Add minced garlic or ginger to enhance the flavor of the dish. You can use either or both, depending on your preference.
• Experiment with different spice blends or seasonings to customize the taste of the dish. Five-spice powder, curry powder, or even chili paste can add a delicious kick.
• If the bean sprouts start sticking to the pan, you can add a few drops of water while stir-frying to create some steam and prevent them from burning.
• Serve the stir-fried bean sprouts hot or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Consider adding other vegetables such as shredded zucchini or kale ribbons to the stir-fry for added variety and nutrition.
• For a spicier version, try using chile sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
• Stir-fried bean sprouts can be a versatile ingredient in other dishes as well. Use them as a topping for noodles, in spring rolls, or as a filling for wraps.
• Enjoy the freshness and crunchiness of bean sprouts by incorporating them into your stir-fries regularly. They’re a great source of nutrients and add texture to your meals.

Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of stir-fried bean sprouts, and experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own delicious variations!