Vegetable|Sprout | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Paleo

Bean Sprouts

Vigna radiata (mung bean sprouts) Allergen-Free
bean sprouts

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian|Southeast Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Mung beans

The Forktionary Angle

"The ultimate fresh, crunchy addition to stir-fries and salads, delivering vitality and subtle sweetness."

Definition

Young, germinated beans, commonly mung beans, characterized by a crisp texture and mild, fresh flavor, popular in Asian cuisine.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Grassy, Fresh
TextureCrisp, Crunchy
AromaEarthy, Fresh
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Common Source

Mung Beans

High Water Content

Over 90%

Storage (refrigerated)

2-3 days

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup (104g)
Calories30 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein3 g
Total Carbohydrate5.9 g
Dietary Fiber1.8 g
Total Sugars4.1 g
Calcium13 mg
Iron0.9 mg
Potassium150 mg

Chef’s Secret

For maximum crispness, add bean sprouts at the very end of cooking, just before serving, and cook quickly.

Substitutions

Best Match

Shredded Cabbage

1:1

Offers a similar crunchy texture and fresh mild flavor, great for stir-fries and salads.

Watercress

1:1

Provides a peppery, crisp alternative, suitable for fresh applications like salads and sandwiches.

Julienne Carrots

1:1

Adds crunch and a slightly sweet flavor, good for texture in cooked dishes or salads.

Enoki Mushrooms

1:1

Long, thin stems offer a similar visual and delicate crunch, especially raw or lightly cooked.

Buying Guide

Look for plump, white sprouts with no browning or sliminess. Rinse thoroughly before use.

Flavor Pairings

Stir-fries pho pad thai spring rolls salads noodle dishes.

Recipes Using Bean Sprouts

Occasion Preparation Sandwiches Number Of Servings

Adorable Veggie Melts

These delightful open-faced sandwiches are a guaranteed hit with the whole family! Easy to make with simple ingredients, these veggie melts are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Melted cheese, savory sauteed veggies, and perfectly toasted bread – pure comfort food!

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Cuisine Course Long Grain Rice 30 Minutes Or Less

Aromatic Vegetable Fried Rice Su Cai Chao Fan

Unlock the secret to unbelievably flavorful fried rice! This Aromatic Vegetable Fried Rice (Su Cai Chao Fan) recipe starts with a key step: tossing cooked rice in peanut oil for a nutty base. Then, we build layers of flavor with vibrant vegetables stir-fried to perfection in sesame and peanut oil. For an extra touch of authenticity, make your own simple vegetable stock (recipe #424266 – minimal effort, maximum flavor!), or use a store-bought broth. Get ready for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Time To Make Time To Make Easy Course

Asian Beef Noodle Soup

This vibrant Asian Beef Noodle Soup bursts with flavor and is surprisingly low in calories! Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal. Ready in under 15 minutes!

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Number Of Servings Healthy 30 Minutes Or Less Low In Something

Asian Chicken Pitas

Enjoy all the delicious flavors of an egg roll, without the deep frying! This quick and easy recipe features juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a vibrant Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a light lunch or weeknight dinner. Try it with our recommended sauce (Recipe #33113 by bergy or Recipe #89827 by miraklegirl from myrecipes.com), or get creative with your own favorite!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Taste Mood Savory Occasion

Asian Noodles My Sister's Recipe

Craving a quick and delicious Asian noodle dish? My sister left behind her amazing noodle recipe, and it's a keeper! This easy-to-follow recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. We've adapted the measurements for everyone, and half the sauce is included so you'll have leftovers for another delicious meal! Get ready to be amazed by this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe.

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Course Taste Mood Cuisine Number Of Servings

Asian Wraps

Transform leftover flank or brisket into delicious Asian wraps! This 5-minute recipe features crisp lettuce, refreshing cucumbers, crunchy bean sprouts, and savory scallions, all nestled in soft wraps and drizzled with a delectable peanut sauce (recipe #63211 or your favorite!). Perfect as a satisfying lunch or cut into 1-inch rounds for impressive appetizers. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Low Calorie Asian Main Dish Course

Asian Style Lettuce Wraps

Craving a light yet flavorful dinner? These Asian Style Lettuce Wraps are a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe the whole family will devour! This recipe features juicy ground pork and beef, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce that's perfectly balanced – but feel free to add a kick with extra chili paste! Ready in under 30 minutes, these satisfying wraps are perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Eggs Preparation Lunch 30 Minutes Or Less

Auntie Andi's Egg Salad For Little's Little 1 Longmeadow

This delightful egg salad recipe, inspired by fresh farm eggs, is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a Saturday lunch. Using a base of vibrant, sometimes green-tinted, farm-fresh eggs, this recipe skips the heavy mayonnaise for a lighter, healthier twist. The addition of crunchy Utz potato chips and refreshing bean sprouts adds delightful texture, complemented by the aromatic freshness of basil or chives. The recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners, yet delivers a sophisticated taste. Enjoy the heavenly aroma of toasted bread, the vibrant colors, and the pure taste of farm-to-table goodness!

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Low Cholesterol Chinese Low In Something Time To Make

Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein

Craving takeout? Skip the delivery fees and make restaurant-quality Chinese Pork Chow Mein at home! This recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers a rich, savory flavor that's even better than your favorite takeout. Customize it to your liking – add extra soy sauce for a bolder taste, or include fresh garlic for an extra aromatic kick. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this authentic and delicious dish!

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Vegetarian Lunch Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado With Alfalfa

This vibrant and healthy appetizer or light lunch is ready in 5 minutes! Packed with the goodness of avocados – known for lowering cholesterol, fighting cancer, and protecting your eyesight – and the delightful crunch of alfalfa sprouts, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious treat. Inspired by the September 2005 issue of Delicious magazine (Australia).

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Course Poultry Time To Make Lunch

Baked Chicken Spring Rolls

Craving delicious spring rolls without the guilt? This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful baked chicken spring rolls that are surprisingly light and healthy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for three, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. Skip the deep fryer and save on calories and fat – you won't miss the oil one bit!

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Food Processor Blender Tropical Fruit Beans Course

Balinese Rice Salad

Escape to Bali with this vibrant and refreshing rice salad! A quick and easy recipe (ready in 25 minutes!), perfect for a last-minute picnic, summer supper, or a light yet satisfying main course or side dish. Inspired by Moosewood's Daily Special cookbook, this recipe uses leftover rice to create a flavor explosion with sweet pineapple, crunchy veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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Brunch Cuisine Meat Taste Mood

Bangkok Style Chicken Pad Thai

Relive the vibrant flavors of 1960s Bangkok with this authentic Pad Thai recipe, straight from my grandmother's treasured recipe box! This dish, inspired by the Thai Room of the legendary Plaza Hotel, boasts tender chicken, perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce, and a delightful crunch. Get ready for a culinary journey back in time!

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Steaks Main Dish Asian Meat

Beef Pho

Experience the rich, savory depths of authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho! This classic recipe, perfect for beef lovers, delivers a heartwarming and flavorful soup that's worth the time. While the elaborate, slow-simmered broth takes dedication (and is best made a day ahead), the result is a deeply rewarding culinary journey. Fresh herbs and perfectly seared beef elevate this dish to an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation Easy Asian Winter

Beef With Rice Noodles Kway Teow

Craving authentic Singaporean comfort food? This Beef Kway Teow recipe delivers a whirlwind of savory flavors in just 25 minutes! Tender marinated beef, perfectly crisp rice noodles, and vibrant vegetables create a dish that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Get ready for a taste of Singapore in your kitchen!

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Preparation Appetizers Preparation Main Dish

Chicken Spring Rolls

Experience the vibrant flavors of Asia with these crispy chicken spring rolls! Inspired by Tyler Florence's Zaar World Tour III recipe, this dish features tender chicken and crunchy vegetables nestled in delicate spring roll wrappers, then perfectly fried to golden perfection. A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for a satisfying meal or appetizer.

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Dietary Main Dish Preparation Cuisine

Citrus Beef Stir Fry

Experience a burst of sunshine with this vibrant Citrus Beef Stir-Fry! Inspired by a favorite Chinese restaurant dish and featured in Sunset Magazine, this recipe delivers the bright, fresh flavor of oranges with tender beef and crisp vegetables. A quick and easy weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes.

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Dietary Asian Main Dish Course

Thai Noodles Phad Thai

Authentic Thai Phad Thai recipe! This incredibly flavorful dish features perfectly cooked rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. Learn to make restaurant-quality Phad Thai at home with our easy-to-follow instructions. Get ready for a taste of Thailand!

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