Mung bean sprouts are a versatile, nutritious, and crunchy addition to any vegetarian kitchen. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and a satisfying crisp texture, they elevate simple meals into vibrant, flavorful dishes.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up your salads, stir-fries, or wraps, mung bean sprouts lend a fresh and wholesome appeal that’s hard to beat.
In this post, we will explore the best mung bean sprouts recipes perfect for vegetarians. From quick stir-fries to refreshing salads, these recipes are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Plus, mung bean sprouts are budget-friendly and widely available, making them an ideal choice for healthy, everyday cooking. So, let’s dive into some delicious ways to enjoy this superfood in your vegetarian meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mung bean sprouts are not only incredibly nutritious but also add a delightful crunch and freshness to a variety of dishes. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins C and K, making them fantastic for boosting immunity and improving digestion.
These recipes embrace the fresh, earthy flavor of mung bean sprouts and combine them with aromatic herbs, spices, and sauces that complement vegetarian diets. They’re quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and versatile enough to customize according to your preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply trying to eat healthier, these mung bean sprouts dishes will inspire you to incorporate more plant-based goodness into your meals.
Ingredients
- Fresh mung bean sprouts – 2 cups (washed and drained)
- Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
- Green onions – 2 stalks (sliced thinly)
- Carrots – 1 medium (julienned)
- Red bell pepper – 1 small (thinly sliced)
- Firm tofu – 200 grams (cubed, optional)
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Sesame oil – 2 teaspoons
- Fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon (grated)
- Lime juice – 1 tablespoon
- Chili flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wok or large skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Colander or sieve (for rinsing sprouts)
Instructions
- Prepare the mung bean sprouts: Rinse the mung bean sprouts thoroughly under cold water and drain well in a colander to remove excess moisture.
- Prep vegetables and tofu: Julienne the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper and green onions, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and cube the tofu if using.
- Heat the wok or skillet: Add 2 tablespoons of oil and warm over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add tofu (if using): Toss the cubed tofu into the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown slightly on all sides.
- Incorporate vegetables: Add the julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly while retaining crunch.
- Add mung bean sprouts: Toss in the mung bean sprouts and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Season the dish: Pour the soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice over the mixture. Sprinkle with chili flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Cook briefly: Stir-fry everything together for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra protein boost, add roasted peanuts or cashews right before serving for crunch and richness.”
Here are some ways to customize this mung bean sprouts recipe:
- Make it a salad: Skip the stir-frying and toss mung bean sprouts with shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and a tangy peanut dressing for a fresh, crunchy salad.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of Sriracha or fresh chopped chili peppers for heat.
- Change the protein: Replace tofu with tempeh, seitan, or cooked chickpeas for variety.
- Add noodles: Stir mung bean sprouts into cooked rice noodles or soba for a filling stir-fry.
- Herbs: Experiment with mint, basil, or Thai basil for an aromatic twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Vitamin C | 20% Daily Value |
Vitamin K | 30% Daily Value |
Iron | 10% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This mung bean sprouts stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside other vegetarian favorites like Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe or a hearty bowl of Magic Dough Recipe flatbread to scoop up the flavorful veggies.
For a light lunch, wrap the stir-fry in whole wheat tortillas or lettuce leaves for a crunchy, fresh wrap. It also works well as a topping for rice noodles or as a component in a larger Buddha bowl with roasted vegetables and creamy hummus (try this Low Sodium Hummus Recipe for inspiration).
Conclusion
Mung bean sprouts are a fantastic ingredient that deserves a starring role in vegetarian cooking. Their crisp texture, mild flavor, and nutritional benefits make them ideal for a variety of dishes that are both delicious and healthful.
Whether stir-fried with tofu and vegetables or incorporated raw into fresh salads, mung bean sprouts bring a refreshing crunch that enhances every bite.
By trying these recipes, you’ll discover how easy it is to create vibrant, satisfying meals that support a plant-based lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices, herbs, and proteins to make each dish your own.
For more creative vegetarian ideas, check out our other recipes like the Julie Marie Eats Recipes collection. Enjoy cooking and savor the wonderful taste and health benefits mung bean sprouts have to offer!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Mung Bean Sprouts Stir-Fry (Vegetarian)
Description: A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring crunchy mung bean sprouts and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish packed with nutrients.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mung bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add carrot and bell pepper; stir-fry for 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add mung bean sprouts and continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; toss to combine evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 15 g
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