Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout Recipe
Enjoy a healthy and delicious Chinese stir-fry mung bean sprout recipe. Quick and easy to make, this dish will satisfy your Chinese food cravings with its fresh and flavorful taste.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Discover the delightful taste of our healthy and delicious Chinese stir-fried mung bean sprout recipe. This quick and easy-to-make dish is perfect for satisfying your Chinese food cravings. Packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients, this stir-fry is not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. Try our simple recipe today and enjoy a wholesome meal in no time!
What is Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout?
Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout is a popular dish originating from China. It is a simple and easy home-cooked meal that has been passed down through generations. Often prepared by Chinese grandparents, this dish features mung bean sprouts, which are a staple in Chinese cuisine. Stir-fried with garlic and green onions in a hot wok, the bean sprouts develop a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor, making it a perfect side dish for any main course.
Origin of the Dish
Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout is a traditional dish with deep roots in Chinese culinary history. It is commonly made at home due to its simplicity and the widespread availability of mung bean sprouts. Despite being underrated by some, this dish transforms the humble bean sprout into a delicious and flavorful meal. The sprouts are quickly stir-fried over high heat, preserving their crunch and enhancing their natural flavors with garlic and green onions.
When is Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts Typically Served?
Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout is versatile and can be served on various occasions:
- Breakfast: Often enjoyed as a side dish during a regular breakfast, paired with a main course.
- Salads and Soups: Can be mixed into salads or soups for added texture and flavor.
- Filling: Used as a filling in dishes like Lumpiang Shanghai along with ground pork and spices.
Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout’s Primary Ingredient: Bean Sprouts
The star of this dish is the mung bean sprout. While often underrated, mung bean sprouts offer a delightful crunch and a subtle, nutty flavor. They are commonly found in supermarkets and are extensively cultivated in East and Southeast Asia. Growing mung bean sprouts is simple: place the sprouted beans in the shade and water them regularly until the sprouts grow long. Stir-frying is the most popular method of cooking this vegetable, which is also known for its health benefits, such as helping to treat and prevent high blood pressure and being a good source of B-vitamins like folate.
What are the Health Benefits of Bean Sprouts?
Bean sprouts are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Rich in Nutrients: Bean sprouts are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and B-vitamins like folate. They also contain essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- High in Protein: Mung bean sprouts are a good plant-based source of protein, making them an excellent addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Low in Calories: Bean sprouts are low in calories, making them a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
- Digestive Health: The high fiber content in bean sprouts aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.
- Antioxidant Properties: Bean sprouts contain antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart Health: The nutrients in bean sprouts, such as potassium and magnesium, contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and improve circulation.
- Immune Support: The Vitamin C in bean sprouts boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
- Bone Health: Vitamin K and other minerals in bean sprouts support bone health and help prevent osteoporosis.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Bean sprouts have a low glycemic index, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels and can be beneficial for people with diabetes.
Incorporating bean sprouts into your diet can provide these health benefits while adding a delicious and crunchy element to your meals.
Kitchen Utensils You Will Need When Cooking Bean Sprouts
To make a delicious Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout, you will need the following kitchen tools and equipment:
- Strainer
- Big bowl
- Wok (or any pan)
- Cooking ladle
- Cutting knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon
- Small bowl
Interesting Facts
- The most common sprouted beans are mung beans.
- Bean sprouts have been valued in China for centuries due to their health benefits. Nobles consumed them for their healing properties.
- During World War II, bean sprouts were recommended as a meat substitute due to their high protein content.
- Bean sprouts are a staple in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese dishes.
- They can be grown at home easily with just water and a dark environment, making them a sustainable food source.
- Bean sprouts are often used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits, including detoxification and improving skin health.
Tips and Tricks When Cooking Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts
- Wash Thoroughly: Make sure to wash bean sprouts with cold water and drain them well.
- Proper Storage: Store bean sprouts in the fridge, in the vegetable drawer, separate from meat and seafood.
- High Heat Cooking: When cooking, add the bean sprouts to a hot wok and stir-fry for just 3-4 minutes to maintain their crunchiness while ensuring they are cooked through.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the wok or pan, as this can cause the bean sprouts to steam rather than stir-fry, resulting in a soggy texture.
- Use Fresh Sprouts: Always use fresh bean sprouts for the best flavor and texture. Older sprouts can become limp and lose their crunch.
- Add Last: If you are adding other vegetables or proteins, cook them first and add the bean sprouts last to preserve their crispiness.
- Season Lightly: Bean sprouts have a delicate flavor, so season them lightly with soy sauce, salt, or a splash of sesame oil to enhance their natural taste.
Ingredients
- 500g bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 spring onions, finely chopped`
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Directions
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Clean first the bean sprouts from any left beans. Rinse with cold water thoroughly and drain from any excess water.
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In a small bowl, combine the salt, brown sugar, black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir and set aside.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic until light brown. Add the spring onions. Stir until the aroma comes out.
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Add the bean sprouts ad bring the heat up to high. Stir for a minute.
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Pour in the sauce mixture and continue to cook until the bean sprout are cooked but still crunchy for about 3-4 minutes.
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You can adjust the taste according to your preference. Sprinkle some salt, if needed.
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Transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot and enjoy as a side dish.
In conclusion, our Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout recipe is a delightful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Whether you are looking for a quick side dish for breakfast, a crunchy addition to your salads and soups, or a flavorful filling for your favorite dishes, this recipe has got you covered. The health benefits of mung bean sprouts, combined with their delicious taste and crunchy texture, make them a must-have ingredient in your kitchen.
This homestyle Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprouts is the best side dish you could ever prepare for your family table. It suits any main course and is very easy and quick to cook. In the present times, this vegetable has slowly become a staple food and has gained popularity worldwide as its benefits have become known to everybody. Give it a try! Start serving your family with this healthy homestyle Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprout.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy this traditional Chinese dish that has been cherished for generations. Try our simple and easy-to-follow recipe today and experience the delightful taste and numerous health benefits of Chinese Stir-Fry Bean Sprouts. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let them enjoy the wholesome goodness of this nutritious dish as well.
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