Super Duper Korean Mung Bean Sprouts Salad Banchan Recipe (숙주나물 무침)

This Korean mung bean sprouts salad banchan recipe (숙주나물 무침) has a special place in my heart. It uses the bean sprouts that someone might normally think of with Pad Thai, but you can literally use any kind of bean sprout. Even sprout your own beans, if you’d like! It’s one of The Kid’s (and my own) favorite Korean banchans (those are the little Korean side dishes you get when you have Korean food). Maybe we just both like bean sprouts, or maybe it’s something about the satisfying texture.

What I Love About This Korean Mung Bean Sprouts Salad Banchan Recipe

Many people think that all Korean food is super spicy. It is not, and this recipe is one of the mild banchans. For that reason, lots of people love it. It’s a great introduction in Korean food because it showcases the flavors that make Korean food unique (minus the gochukaru, or Korean red hot pepper powder): rice vinegar, green onions (scallions), roasted sesame seeds and oil, and a little bit of sweetness like honey or brown sugar.

I’m so thrilled to showcase this recipe to the world. From my Korean kitchen to yours!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board

Health Benefits of Mung Beans

Mung beans are a cousin to soy beans, and both sprouts are readily available at my local Asian grocery store. For very cheap, too! A grocery-bag full is like $2.

Both bean sprouts are a nutritious addition to any diet, offering a range of health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile. These small, green beans are a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. They also provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Mung beans are low in calories, making them a beneficial choice for weight management.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, mung beans contain potassium, magnesium, and folate, among others. Potassium is vital for heart health, magnesium supports nerve and muscle function, and folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair. Additionally, mung beans have antioxidants that protect cells from damage by free radicals. Maybe that’s why we Koreans are so good looking, haha.

So What Is Korean Banchan?

Banchan in Korean is written as 반찬. They are small side dishes served alongside cooked rice, fundamental to Korean cuisine. These dishes, placed in the middle of the table, are meant for sharing and complement the main courses like galbi or bulgogi. Banchan varies in number and type depending on the formality of the meal, showcasing the rich variety of Korean culinary traditions. Jeolla province is renowned for its extensive array of banchan, highlighting the cultural significance and diversity of these dishes within Korean dining​​. You can make them out of anything, really. So you can use your locally sourced or seasonal produce, if you want!

Mung Beans in Korean Cuisine

Mung beans play a crucial role in Korean cuisine, utilized in a variety of dishes for their nutritional value and versatility. These beans are a key ingredient in creating noodles, pancakes, and notably, mung bean sprouts, which are commonly found in salads and side dishes known as banchan … like this one. The sprouts contribute a crisp texture and mild flavor, complementing the diverse tastes found in Korean meals. Mung bean pancakes, or bindaetteok (빈대떡), represent another traditional use, offering a savory option that underscores the bean’s adaptability.

FAQs

1. How long can I store the Korean Mung Bean Sprouts Salad in the refrigerator? The salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the quick spoilage rate of bean sprouts, it’s advised to consume the salad promptly to enjoy its freshness and optimal taste.
2. Can I freeze this salad for later use? It is not advised to freeze the salad as freezing will significantly deteriorate the texture of the mung bean sprouts, resulting in a soggy consistency upon thawing which is not desirable for the dish’s quality.
3. What are the best places to buy mung bean sprouts? Asian grocery stores are highly recommended for purchasing mung bean sprouts as they tend to offer fresher, better quality, and more cost-effective options compared to regular supermarkets.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? The recipe is inherently gluten-free. To maintain its gluten-free status, ensure all ingredients, including any added sauces, are verified as certified gluten-free.
5. What are some good pairing suggestions for this banchan? This salad pairs excellently with BBQ meats, creating a harmonious balance when wrapped together with lettuce, meat, and rice. Incorporating fresh elements like radishes or green onions, along with a side of gochugaru or siracha, elevates the dish to a delectable Korean-inspired meal.
6. Can I use a substitute for sesame oil if I’m allergic? For individuals allergic to sesame, substituting sesame oil with a neutral oil such as avocado or grapeseed oil is an option, though it should be noted that the distinctive flavor imparted by sesame oil will be absent.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet? Absolutely, this recipe is both vegan and dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet seeking to incorporate diverse and flavorful options.
8. Can I add other vegetables to this salad? Adding thinly sliced vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers is encouraged to enhance the salad’s crunch and color. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that traditional Korean dishes typically maintain a distinction between different types of vegetables, with the exception of onions and garlic.
9. How can I prevent the bean sprouts from going bad quickly? To extend the freshness of bean sprouts, store them in a sealed bag or container within the refrigerator’s crisper drawer and aim to use them within a few days, as they are prone to spoil rapidly.
10. What should I do if the salad tastes too salty? If the salad is overly salty, balancing the flavors can be achieved by adding additional mung bean sprouts if available, or by incorporating a touch of lemon juice or vinegar to adjust the taste to your preference.

The Final: Korean Mung Bean Sprouts Salad Banchan Recipe