Korean Bean Sprouts Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)

This week, I am bringing you another healthy side dish, perfect for summer time!  I don't know about you, but when I eat Korean BBQ, I am all about the side dishes.  I already shared this pickled radish recipe, and this one is another favorite!

I searched everywhere for a good bean sprout (AKA mung bean sprout) salad recipe that did not use too many specialty ingredients, which would require a trip to the grocery store.  Initially, I wanted to make a Japanese bean sprout salad to accompany my sushi, but each one had an unusual ingredient.  Instead, I ended up with Sukju Namul Muchim (숙주나물 무침), which is pretty similar and uses only the most basic ingredients.

As I said before, I didn't need an extra trip to the grocery store because I already bought the bean sprouts on sale earlier that week.  It is possible to find them in a regular grocery store, but they will most likely be a little pricy.

My suggestion is to either grab them when they go on sale, or visit your local Korean/Asian market.  They sell huge bags there for an insanely cheap price.  Believe me, once you try the recipe, you will want more than a few sprouts for your second go around.

Now, let's get cooking!

Korean Bean Sprouts Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)
Adapted from My Korean Kitchen

Ingredients

• 12 oz./350g fresh mung bean sprouts
• 1 tsp. salt
• 6 cups water
• 1 tsp. green onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. roasted sesame seeds
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil

Directions

1.  Rinse the mung bean sprouts in cold water and discard any bad beans

2.  Add the salt to a pot of water and bring to a boil.

3.  Add the mung bean sprouts and submerge for 1 to 2 minutes.

4.  Drain the water and run cold water on the sprouts for 1 to 2 minutes.

5.  Squeeze the sprouts to remove excess water and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Note: I was lazy and just transferred it back into the pot.  :)

6.  Add the green onion, garlic, sesame seeds, salt, and sesame oil.  Mix well.

7.  Enjoy!

Super simple and tasty!  I like that it can accompany a variety of dishes because it is so light, but it pairs especially well with heavier dishes like Korean BBQ, of course!  Also, it could be a wonderful snack to hold you over until your next meal.  Try it out, and let me know what you think!

What is your favorite vegetable side dish?

You might also like...

Pickled Radishes (AKA Korean Moo)

Lettuce Wraps

Vietnamese-Style Fresh Spring Rolls