Bean sprouts are one of the most versatile and nutritious ingredients you can add to your vegetarian meals. Crisp, fresh, and packed with vitamins, they bring a delightful crunch and subtle earthiness to a wide variety of dishes.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up a salad, add texture to a stir-fry, or create a light, refreshing side, bean sprouts have you covered. In this post, we’ll dive into several delicious vegetarian bean sprout recipes that celebrate this humble ingredient and show you how easy it is to incorporate them into your daily cooking.
Beyond their fantastic taste and texture, bean sprouts are incredibly healthy. They are low in calories but rich in antioxidants, fiber, and plant-based protein.
Plus, they cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight meals or quick lunches. From savory to tangy, these recipes are sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bean sprouts are a fantastic addition to vegetarian cooking for many reasons. First, they add a fresh crunch that can transform any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Their mild flavor acts as a blank canvas, absorbing the spices and sauces you pair them with.
They’re also incredibly quick to prepare, helping you get a nutritious meal on the table in no time. Plus, sprouted beans are easier to digest and offer a boost of vitamins like C and K, making your meal both tasty and wholesome.
Best of all, these recipes are flexible and easy to customize. Whether you prefer your bean sprouts raw in salads, lightly sautéed, or stir-fried with bold spices, there’s something here for every palate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh bean sprouts (mung bean sprouts preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes or fresh chili for heat
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wok or large skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Colander or strainer
Instructions
- Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Drain well in a colander.
- Prepare your vegetables: julienne the carrot, mince the garlic, slice the green onions, and grate the ginger.
- Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and bean sprouts to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, keeping the bean sprouts crunchy but slightly tender.
- Drizzle the soy sauce and rice vinegar over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add the sliced green onions and toss together for another minute. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
- Serve immediately while warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
“To keep bean sprouts crunchy, avoid overcooking them. A quick stir-fry or adding them last to soups or salads preserves their texture and freshness.”
- Raw Bean Sprout Salad: Combine fresh bean sprouts with thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. Dress with lime juice, a pinch of sugar, and a splash of soy sauce for a refreshing side.
- Spicy Korean Style: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the stir-fry sauce along with garlic and sesame oil for a fiery kick.
- Bean Sprout Soup: Simmer bean sprouts in vegetable broth with tofu cubes, mushrooms, and green onions for a light and nourishing soup.
- Peanut Sauce Dressing: Toss cooked bean sprouts with a creamy peanut sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a little maple syrup for a rich, satisfying flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 75 kcal |
Protein | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 7 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Vitamin C | 15% of daily value |
Vitamin K | 20% of daily value |
Iron | 6% of daily value |
Serving Suggestions
Bean sprouts can be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into larger meals. Serve this stir-fried bean sprout dish alongside steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles for a complete, satisfying vegetarian meal.
For more inspiration, pair it with recipes like the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a fresh, Asian-inspired lunch or try it with the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipes to add extra flavor to your stir-fries.
You might also enjoy the Magic Dough Recipe for a homemade bread or dumpling dough that pairs wonderfully with bean sprout fillings or sides.
Delicious Bean Sprouts Vegetarian Recipes List
Classic Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts
This simple stir-fried bean sprout recipe highlights the fresh, crunchy texture of sprouts with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. It’s perfect as a quick side or a light main dish.
Spicy Peanut Bean Sprout Salad
Mix raw bean sprouts with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a spicy peanut dressing for a refreshing, protein-packed salad. Add crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for extra crunch and flavor.
Bean Sprout and Tofu Soup
A warm and comforting soup with silken tofu, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and green onions simmered in a savory vegetable broth. Perfect for a light dinner or lunch.
Korean-Style Bean Sprout Banchan (Side Dish)
This classic Korean side dish features blanched bean sprouts seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Serve it with rice and other Korean dishes for an authentic experience.
Bean Sprout Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables
Add bean sprouts to a colorful medley of stir-fried bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, and carrots. Cook with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Bean Sprout Spring Rolls
Fresh bean sprouts, mint, basil, and vermicelli noodles wrapped in rice paper with a tangy dipping sauce. A light, healthy appetizer or snack.
Each of these recipes emphasizes the freshness and versatility of bean sprouts, making vegetarian meals exciting and nutrient-dense.
Conclusion
Bean sprouts are truly a vegetarian cook’s best friend. Their light, crisp texture and subtle flavor make them an ideal ingredient to add variety and nutrition to countless dishes.
Whether you prefer them raw in salads, stir-fried with fragrant spices, or simmered in soups, bean sprouts can elevate your meals with minimal effort.
Experiment with different seasonings and complementary vegetables to discover your favorite bean sprout combinations. Remember, cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients like bean sprouts not only tastes great but supports a healthy lifestyle.
For even more inspiration, be sure to check out other flavorful recipes like the Marzipan Challah Recipe or explore vegetarian-friendly dishes such as the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes (vegan version) that bring exciting global flavors to your kitchen.
Happy cooking and enjoy the crisp, fresh delight of bean sprouts in your vegetarian meals!
📖 Recipe Card: Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts Vegetarian
Description: A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring crunchy bean sprouts and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 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 until fragrant.
- Add carrot and bell peppers; cook for 3 minutes.
- Add bean sprouts and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 15 g
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