Zesty Korean Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju Namul) Recipe

Korean bean sprout salad brings a crisp, refreshing crunch to any meal with its vibrant, light character.

These delicate sprouts redefine simple ingredients into a delightful side dish bursting with subtle flavors.

Mild yet distinctive, the salad offers a unique texture that dances between tender and snappy.

Ancient culinary traditions shine through this minimalist preparation, highlighting the beauty of fresh, quality ingredients.

Seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike can master this quick recipe with ease.

The magic lies in its simplicity, allowing each component to shine brilliantly.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, creating a memorable accompaniment to your favorite meals.

Why 10-Minute Easy Korean Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju Namul) Is the Ultimate Side

• Speedy Korean Delight: Whip up this vibrant bean sprout salad in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving quick, authentic flavors.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of perfectly blanched bean sprouts combined with a silky, nutty sauce that delivers an incredible mouthfeel.
• Nutritious Powerhouse: Packed with fresh ingredients and minimal cooking, this salad offers a healthy side dish bursting with protein, vitamins, and Korean-inspired zest that elevates any meal.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for meal prep, picnics, or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, making it a go-to recipe for various dining occasions.

Ingredients for Quick Korean Bean Sprout Salad

Main Ingredients:

Bean Sprouts:- Mung Bean Sprouts, Soy Bean Sprouts: Fresh and crisp sprouts that form the base of this light and refreshing Korean salad, with a delicate crunch and mild flavor.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Sauce Components:- Soy Sauce, Toasted Sesame Oil: Classic Korean seasoning that provides a rich, savory umami depth and nutty undertone to the salad.

Aromatics:- Garlic, Green Onion: Fresh herbs that add a sharp, pungent flavor and aromatic complexity to the dish.

Finishing Touches:- Toasted Sesame Seeds, Salt: Provides a subtle nutty crunch and enhances the overall seasoning of the salad.

How to Make Sukju Namul in Just 10 Minutes

Step 1: Wash Bean Sprouts

Rinse bean sprouts in a colander under cold water multiple times. Keep washing until water becomes crystal clear and all dirt is removed. Gently shake to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Blanch Sprouts Quickly

Boil water in a large pot over high heat. Drop bean sprouts into boiling water and cook for exactly 60 seconds. This quick blanching process softens sprouts while maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 3: Cool Down Sprouts

Immediately transfer blanched sprouts to cold running water. Continuously rinse until sprouts reach room temperature. Drain completely using a strainer, removing all water droplets.

Step 4: Create Flavor Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Minced garlic
• Chopped green onions
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until perfectly blended and aromatic.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooled bean sprouts to sauce bowl. Gently toss until every sprout is evenly coated. Transfer to serving dish and enjoy as a refreshing Korean side dish.

Tips for Keeping Korean Bean Sprout Salad Crisp and Flavorful

• Rinse Thoroughly: Clean bean sprouts multiple times to eliminate any earthy or musty odors, ensuring a fresh and crisp base for your salad.
• Quick Blanching: Boil bean sprouts for exactly 60 seconds to maintain their crunchy texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or overcooked.
• Drain Completely: Remove excess water meticulously after blanching and cooling to prevent diluting the delicious sauce and maintain the salad's ideal consistency.
• Customize Seasonings: Adjust the soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt levels to match your personal taste preferences, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Serve Chilled: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing side dish that complements hot main courses.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Korean Bean Sprout Salad

• Refrigerate: Transfer the bean sprout salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Chill: Always serve the salad cold for the best taste and texture. Avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.
• Revive: Before serving again, gently stir the salad to redistribute the sauce. If the salad seems dry, add a small splash of sesame oil to refresh the flavors and restore moisture.

What to Serve with Sukju Namul for a Full Meal

• Crunch with Kimchi Companion: Pair this refreshing bean sprout salad with spicy kimchi for a classic Korean flavor explosion that balances cool and hot sensations.
• Protein Power Plate: Serve alongside grilled Korean barbecue meats like bulgogi or kalbi to create a complete and satisfying meal with complementary textures and flavors.
• Crisp Wine Refreshment: Choose a light, slightly chilled white wine like a Riesling or Gewürztraminer to cut through the salad's sesame and garlic notes, providing a crisp and clean accompaniment.
• Rice Bowl Buddy: Transform this bean sprout salad into a topping for a warm bowl of steamed white rice, adding freshness and zesty Korean-style seasoning to your grain base.

Ways to Add Flair to Korean Bean Sprout Salad

• Fresh Herb Infusion: Replace green onions with chopped fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile that adds unexpected zestiness to the classic Korean bean sprout salad.
• Spicy Korean Kick: Mix in gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or sriracha sauce to elevate the heat and create a more intense, fiery version of the traditional recipe that tantalizes taste buds.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for an extra layer of texture and rich, nutty undertones that complement the bean sprouts' delicate flavor.
• Protein Power Boost: Add small cubes of pan-seared tofu or shredded cooked chicken to transform this side dish into a light, protein-packed main course with Korean-inspired seasonings.

10-Minute Easy Korean Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju Namul) Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Korean bean sprout salad dances with crisp freshness and zesty sesame notes. Quick and simple, this traditional banchan delivers authentic Korean flavor that delights your palate with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) mung bean sprouts or soy bean sprouts

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons (20 milliliters) regular soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons (20 milliliters) toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon salt

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse the bean sprouts under cold running water, agitating them gently to eliminate any residual impurities. Repeat the rinsing process multiple times until the water becomes crystal clear, then thoroughly drain the sprouts.
2. Fill a spacious pot with water and ignite the heat to its maximum setting. Once the water reaches a vigorous boil, carefully submerge the bean sprouts and allow them to blanch for approximately 45-60 seconds, ensuring they remain crisp and vibrant.
3. Immediately transfer the blanched sprouts to a colander and cascade cold water over them, rapidly cooling the vegetables and halting the cooking process. Gently shake the colander to remove excess moisture, creating a perfectly dry texture.
4. Craft a harmonious sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, crushed sesame seeds, finely minced garlic, delicately chopped green onions, and a pinch of salt in a generous mixing bowl. Blend the ingredients until they create a cohesive, aromatic mixture.
5. Introduce the impeccably drained bean sprouts into the sauce, using gentle folding motions to ensure each sprout becomes luxuriously coated with the flavorful dressing. Distribute the seasonings evenly, creating a uniform and tantalizing side dish.
6. Refrigerate briefly to enhance the flavors, then serve chilled as a refreshing and zesty accompaniment to your meal. The sprouts should glisten with a light, fragrant coating that promises a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

• Quick, refreshing Korean side dish bursting with crisp texture and savory sesame flavors.
• Minimal ingredients transform simple bean sprouts into a restaurant-quality banchan in just minutes.
• Traditional recipe offers lightweight, nutritious accompaniment perfect for balancing heavier Korean main courses.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg