Bean Sprouts

Varies (e.g., Vigna radiata for mung bean sprouts) Vegetable, Sprout

Bean Sprouts Vegetable, Sprout

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Sprout

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

Young, germinated beans (most commonly mung beans or soybeans) characterized by their crunchy texture and mild, fresh flavor, widely used in Asian cuisine.

Common Source Mung Beans
High Water Content Over 90%
Storage (refrigerated) 2-3 days

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Bean Sprouts are:

Mild fresh slightly nutty crunchy watery

Chef’s Secret

Add bean sprouts at the very last minute to stir-fries or hot dishes to retain their maximum crunch and fresh flavor.

Best Substitutes

Shredded cabbage

similar crunch, different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Julienne jicama

similar crunch, sweeter
Ratio 1:1

Water chestnuts

similar crunch, canned
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for plump, white sprouts without sliminess or brown spots. Rinse thoroughly before use.

Recipes Using Bean Sprouts

Stove Top Stove Top Time To Make Dinner Party

1 Asian Noodle Salad

Get hooked on this incredibly easy Asian Noodle Salad! Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe, found in a local grocery store ad, is a crowd-pleaser with its vibrant flavors and refreshing taste. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Time To Make Soups Stews Time To Make Easy

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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Poultry Poultry Low Carb Low Fat

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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Easy Course Poultry Meat

Asian Turkey Noodle Soup

Transform your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into a vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired noodle soup! This quick and easy recipe is packed with fresh herbs, zesty lime, and tender turkey, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. Get ready for a delicious and exciting culinary adventure!

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Cuisine Technique Cuisine Course

Asian Twist Chicken Salad

Experience a flavor explosion with this Asian-inspired chicken salad! Sweet, spicy, and savory notes combine in a quick and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a vibrant lunch. Customize the heat with a minced jalapeño – if you dare! This recipe features tender chicken tossed in a zesty peanut sauce with crunchy cashews and fresh cilantro. Get ready for a delicious twist on a classic!

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Main Ingredient Cuisine Taste Mood Main Ingredient

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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Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less Cuisine Pork

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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30 Minutes Or Less Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Course

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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4 Hours Or Less Asian Low Calorie Cuisine

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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Vegetables Vegetables Main Ingredient Course

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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Gluten Free Meat Preparation Taste Mood

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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Main Ingredient Side Dishes North American Occasion

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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Spaghetti Preparation Indonesian Chicken

Bami Goreng Indonesian Version Of Lo Mein

Indonesian Bami Goreng, a flavorful fried noodle dish, is a family favorite! This recipe, inspired by a cherished grandmother's recipe, uses tender chicken instead of pork, making it a delicious and accessible meal for everyone. Learn how to make this vibrant, aromatic noodle dish packed with fresh vegetables and authentic Indonesian flavors. Customize it with your favorite veggies – we suggest peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a pop of color! Get ready for a culinary journey to Indonesia in just 40 minutes.

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Healthy Dietary Cuisine Asian

Basic Fried Rice With Variations

Master the art of fried rice with this versatile recipe! Learned from a Chinese cooking class, this fundamental fried rice provides a base for endless customization. Choose your favorite protein and veggies to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Explore exciting flavor combinations – from classic beef and peppers to unique chicken and bamboo shoot creations. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Preparation Occasion Asian Main Dish

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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Main Dish Brunch Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation

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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Finger Food Occasion Chinese Presentation

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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Low Calorie Time To Make Stir Fry Low In Something

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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