Bean sprouts, those crisp, tender shoots, are a culinary chameleon, adapting effortlessly to countless dishes. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor makes them a perfect addition to salads, soups, and of course, stir-fries. This versatile vegetable is packed with nutrients, boasting vitamins, minerals, and fiber – making it a healthy and delicious choice for any meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, stir-frying bean sprouts is a simple yet rewarding experience, resulting in a quick and flavorful side dish or even a satisfying main course.
This article presents two easy and delicious recipes for stir-fried bean sprouts, each showcasing a unique flavor profile to suit diverse palates. From a classic garlic and soy sauce version to a spicier, more adventurous recipe, we'll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you achieve perfectly crisp and flavorful bean sprouts every time. Ready to learn how to create these mouthwatering stir-fries? Let's dive into the detailed instructions!
Tools Needed
- Wok or large skillet
Ingredients
- Bean sprouts
- Scallions: 2 stalks
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Carrots: optional
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Pepper: to taste
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Bacon or Pancetta: optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Rinse bean sprouts thoroughly a couple of times and let them rest for a few minutes to drain excess liquid.
- Dice the white parts of the scallions and chop the garlic.
- If using, cut carrots into matchsticks.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Vegetables and Season
- Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped garlic and white parts of scallions, stirring to prevent burning until fragrant.
- Add carrots (if using) and stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Add bean sprouts and stir-fry for about 20 seconds.
- Add oyster sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chopped green parts of the scallions and stir-fry for about 10 seconds until bright green.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Step 3. Optional Bacon Version
- Fry bacon until almost crispy. Add aromatics, carrots (if using), bean sprouts, and seasoning in the same order as above.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Bean sprouts are inexpensive, nutritious, and high in fiber.
- Use medium-high heat for stir-frying.
- The total cooking time should be about 2 minutes. The residual heat will continue cooking.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-250
- Fat: 7-15g
- Carbs: 10-20g
- Protein: 5-10g
FAQs
1. Can I use canned bean sprouts instead of fresh ones?
While you can, fresh bean sprouts are always best for stir-fries as they retain their crispness and freshness better. Canned ones can be mushy.
2. How long should I stir-fry the bean sprouts for?
Stir-fry them for only 2-3 minutes. Overcooking will make them soggy and lose their crunch.
With these two simple recipes, you've unlocked the delicious potential of stir-fried bean sprouts. From quick weeknight meals to exciting additions to your culinary repertoire, these versatile dishes are sure to become favorites. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and fresh flavors – happy cooking!