stir mung bean sprouts

How to Make Spicy Stir-Fried Mung Bean Sprouts

Spicy stir-fried mung bean sprouts (炝拌绿豆芽) is a crisp, refreshing Chinese dish that takes minutes to prepare. Here’s a simple guide to mastering this classic.

Ingredients: 500g fresh mung bean sprouts, 2-3 dried chili peppers (sliced), 1 small garlic clove (minced), 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp sugar, and a pinch of sesame oil.

Steps:

1. Prep the sprouts: Rinse the bean sprouts under cold water and drain. Trim any roots if desired. For extra crispness, blanch them in boiling water for 10-15 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water. Pat dry thoroughly.

2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, salt, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.

3. Stir-fry: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add dried chilies and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant (about 10 seconds). Toss in the blanched sprouts and stir-fry for 20-30 seconds to heat through.

4. Season: Pour the sauce over the sprouts, toss quickly, and serve immediately. Garnish with a pinch of chili flakes or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Tips: For a vegetarian version, skip the chili oil and use a dash of white pepper. The key is to avoid overcooking—the sprouts should remain crunchy. Enjoy this zesty, healthy side dish with rice or noodles!