Zingy Korean Bean Sprout Salad Recipe: Sukju Namul Magic

Summer heat calls for a refreshing Korean bean sprout salad that bursts with crisp, zesty flavors in under 10 minutes.

Bean sprouts dance with vibrant seasonings in this classic sukju namul, creating a light and tangy side dish.

Korean cuisine shines through each crunchy bite, delivering a perfect balance of simplicity and taste.

Seasoned with sesame oil and garlic, these bean sprouts offer a delightful texture that complements any main course.

The ingredients are minimal, making this recipe a go-to for quick and delicious meals.

Toss together this easy salad and watch it become an instant favorite at your dining table.

Get ready to savor a traditional Korean side dish that’s both nutritious and irresistibly good.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes

Calories: 50 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Korean Bean Sprout Salad

• Mung Bean Sprouts or Soy Bean Sprouts: Crisp, tender sprouts that provide a delightful crunch and light, refreshing base for the salad; choose sprouts that are bright white, firm, and free from discoloration or slimy texture.

• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Salt: Powerful seasonings that create a savory, umami-rich profile; opt for high-quality Korean or Japanese soy sauce for authentic taste; use toasted sesame oil for deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds delightful nutty crunch and aromatic depth; look for golden-brown seeds with rich, roasted fragrance.

• Garlic, Green Onion: Vibrant herbs that infuse the salad with sharp, zesty notes; select fresh garlic cloves with smooth, firm skin and green onions with bright green, crisp tops for maximum flavor impact.

Tools That Help Prep This Crunchy Side Quickly

• Large Colander: Perfect for thoroughly rinsing and straining bean sprouts multiple times.
• Large Pot: Essential for boiling water and quickly blanching sprouts.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining sauce ingredients and tossing bean sprouts.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping green onions.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Instructions to Make Sukju Namul in Minutes

• Bean Sprout Cleansing

Carefully wash sprouts under cool water, removing any dirt or debris. Rinse multiple times until water looks crystal clear.

• Quick Boiling

Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Drop sprouts into bubbling water for just a moment – no more than one minute. Swift cooking keeps them crisp and fresh.

• Temperature Shock

Immediately transfer sprouts to cold water, cooling them down rapidly. This stops the cooking process and locks in their delightful crunch.

• Flavor Fusion

Mix together a vibrant sauce with rich sesame notes, zesty garlic, and bright green onions. Combine ingredients until they dance together harmoniously.

• Final Touch

Gently fold cooled sprouts into the prepared sauce. Ensure each sprout gets a delicious coating of flavor. Serve chilled as a refreshing side that bursts with Korean culinary magic.

Flavor Boosts Like Garlic, Soy, or Sesame

• Quick Bean Sprout Crunch Hacks: Elevate Your Korean Side Dish
• Texture Perfection: Pat bean sprouts completely dry after cooling to prevent watery sauce and maintain that signature crisp Korean salad texture.
• Flavor Boost: Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving to let the sesame and garlic notes deeply penetrate the sprouts.
• Protein Power: Transform this side dish into a light meal by adding sliced grilled chicken, tofu, or a soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein and substance.
• Spice Adventure: Drizzle gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or a splash of gochujang for a vibrant, warming kick that takes the salad from simple to sensational.
• Fresh Twist: Experiment with adding thin cucumber slices or julienned carrots for extra crunch and a colorful presentation that makes the dish even more appealing.

Serve This Salad Chilled or at Room Temperature

• Fresh Flavor Boost: Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that elevates the salad's visual appeal and texture.
• Korean Feast Companion: Pair this refreshing bean sprout salad alongside grilled meats like bulgogi or with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying Korean-inspired meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Quick Meal Prep Option: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights or meal planning.
• Customizable Twist: Add a small drizzle of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or a splash of rice vinegar to give the salad an extra kick of spice and tangy flavor for those who enjoy more dynamic taste profiles.

Storage Tips for Korean Bean Sprout Salad

• Quick Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover bean sprout salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Smart Meal Prep Companion: This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, steamed rice, or Korean barbecue. Pack it in lunch containers for a quick, nutritious midday meal that adds instant flavor to your plate.
• Moisture Management Trick: To prevent soggy sprouts, always drain excess liquid thoroughly before mixing with sauce. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to gently pat the blanched sprouts dry, ensuring maximum sauce absorption.
• Temperature Serving Strategy: Enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature for the best taste experience. Korean bean sprout salad tastes most vibrant when served shortly after preparation, maintaining its delightful crunch and bright seasoning.

Refreshing Korean Bean Sprout Salad

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Korean bean sprout salad (sukju namul) delivers crisp, refreshing flavors with minimal effort and maximum taste. Home cooks can quickly prepare this classic side dish with simple ingredients, creating a delightful complement to Korean meals you’ll enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) mung bean sprouts or soy bean sprouts
• 4 tsp (20 mL) regular soy sauce
• 4 tsp (20 mL) toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Purification: Rinse bean sprouts under cold water, gently agitating to remove impurities. Repeat rinsing until water runs clear, then drain completely.
2. Blanching: Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Submerge bean sprouts for 45-60 seconds, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant appearance.
3. Cooling Process: Immediately transfer sprouts to a colander, shower with cold water to halt cooking. Shake vigorously to remove excess moisture, ensuring a dry finish.
4. Sauce Creation: Whisk soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, crushed sesame seeds, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and salt in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and aromatic.
5. Final Preparation: Fold drained bean sprouts into the sauce, ensuring complete and even coating. Gently mix to distribute seasonings throughout the dish, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Serving: Chill briefly to meld flavors, then present as a cool, zesty side dish that promises a refreshing and tantalizing culinary experience.

Notes

• Rinse Thoroughly: Clean bean sprouts meticulously under cold water multiple times to remove all dirt and impurities, ensuring a crisp and fresh base for the dish.
• Blanch Precisely: Boil sprouts for exactly 45-60 seconds to maintain their crunchy texture and vibrant color, preventing mushiness while enhancing their natural flavor.
• Cool Quickly: Immediately shock blanched sprouts in cold water to stop cooking process, preserving their crisp texture and preventing overcooking.
• Sauce Balance: Whisk sauce ingredients carefully to create a harmonious blend of flavors, ensuring even distribution of sesame oil, garlic, and green onions for a perfect coating.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg