Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish – QUICK + EASY (VIDEO)

4.84 from 6 votes

May 26, 2023, Updated Apr 01, 2024

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Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish is so refreshing and easy to make. It only takes 10 minutes to make this Korean ban-chan (side dish) staple. I love how fresh and crunchy the bean sprouts are, and the light flavors makes it an amazing side dish that goes with all of your favorite dishes!

Korean Bean Sprout Side DIsh in a wooden bowl.

Watch the Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish Recipe Video Below!

Watch the Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish Recipe Video Below!
Ingredients for Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish
Recipe Instructions: Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish
Expert Tips for Making Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish at Home!
Storage Tips
What to Serve with Korean Bean Sprouts?
Other Korean Side Dishes (Banchan)
Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish Recipe

Raw ingredients for Korean Bean Sprout Side Dish in small bowls.

Ingredients for Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish

Dressing

1 scallion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds – I like adding these for extra texture. If you don’t have them, you can omit.
1/4 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt – this is to taste; I like my Korean Bean Sprouts to have a little salt on them, but you may prefer without.

Bean Sprouts

1 lb bean sprouts – you can use soybean or mung bean sprouts; I find that mung bean sprouts are easier to find in the United States. I get these at my local Asian grocery stores (H Mart, 99 Ranch, or Mitsuwa).
2 quarts water
1/2 tbsp salt

Bean Sprouts – Food Safety 101

If handled improperly, bean sprouts can cause food poisoning – therefore, it’s crucial you follow these tips to ensure you are using them safely!

How to Pick Out Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts should be purchased as closely to the day you will prepare and eat them – I do not recommend buying them well in advance!
When buying bean sprouts, you should be looking for
- Crispy bean sprouts
- Shiny white stalks
- Bright yellow tips
Avoid bean sprouts that look wilted, droopy, brown, or soggy.
Once purchased, get your bean sprouts in the refrigerator ASAP. Do not let them sit out.

How to Handle Bean Sprouts

Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap BEFORE and AFTER handling them.
Rinse the sprouts thoroughly under cool water and do not let them get in contact with any other raw foods.
Make sure to wash anything you used to clean or prepare the bean sprouts (cutting board, knives, utensils, etc).

Recipe Instructions: Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish

1. Blanch The Bean Sprouts

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt. Blanch bean sprouts for 1-2 minutes, then remove and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Bean Sprouts being blanched in boiling water.

2. Marinate the Bean Sprouts

Dry the bean sprouts then add to a bowl and combine with scallion, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sugar, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are combined and enjoy your Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish!

Marinated Korean Bean Sprouts in a metal bowl.

PRO TIPS

Expert Tips for Making Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish at Home!

Cold Water After Blanching

Once your bean sprouts have been blanched, make sure to run them under cold water immediately! You want to stop the cooking process and keep them as crisp as possible. Otherwise you will lose the signature crunch of Korean Bean Sprouts.

Dry Your Bean Sprouts

After blanching and putting them in an ice bath, you want to dry your bean sprouts as much as possible to prevent watering down the marinade. I like to lay out a paper towel and put the bean sprouts on top and pat them dry.

You want to dry your bean sprouts as much as possible to prevent watering down the marinade. I like to lay out a paper towel and put the bean sprouts on top and pat them dry.

Food Safety is Key

When handled improperly, bean sprouts can cause food poisoning. Therefore, make sure to follow my tips on “how to pick out bean sprouts” and “how to handle bean sprouts” (in the ingredients section above).

Storage Tips

You can store Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. The extra marinating time will add more flavor but if left marinating for too long the bean sprouts will become soggy. Try to enjoy them within 3 days!

What to Serve with Korean Bean Sprouts?

If you are looking for a main dish to pair with Korean Bean Sprouts, I would make my famous Korean Short Ribs (LA Galbi), Beef Bulgogi, or Spicy Pork Bulgogi! If you would rather eat a vegetarian option, you have to try my Korean Braised Tofu – it’s so flavorful, you won’t miss meat.

Other Korean Side Dishes (Banchan)

One of my favorite things about Korean cuisine is the plethora of ban-chan (side dishes) – everyone has their favorite, and every family has their own recipes. I love how Korean cuisine incorporates so many vegetables – Korean Cucumber Salad and Korean Spinach Side Dish are two of my favorites (if you want the spicier version, try Spicy Korean Spinach Side Dish!) Of course, the first side dish that runs out first is always Korean Braised Potatoes! My (Korean) wife’s favorites are Korean Stir Fried Fish Cakes and Korean Egg Roll – she has so many fond memo

If you tried this Korean Bean Sprouts Side Dish or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!

4.84 from 6 votes