Get ready to sprout some flavor into your meals! Bean sprouts are a nutrient-rich addition to many dishes, and we’re excited to share 17 delicious recipes that showcase their versatility. From savory stir-fries to refreshing salads, and even sweet treats like pancakes, these tasty ideas will have you cooking with bean sprouts in no time.
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for some new inspiration in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to please. And the best part? They’re all easy to make and require minimal ingredients, so you can get started right away. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Asia and beyond, highlighting popular dishes from Vietnam, Korea, and more.
Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts with Garlic
A classic Chinese stir-fry that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! This recipe is a great way to add some crunch and nutrition to your meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce, oyster sauce, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add soy sauce or other seasonings and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or as a side dish.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Bean Sprout Salad with Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of bean sprouts with the creamy richness of sesame dressing, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this tasty treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine bean sprouts, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
2. Toss until the sprouts are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Vietnamese Pho with Bean Sprouts
This classic Vietnamese noodle soup recipe combines rich beef broth, tender rare steak, and a variety of fresh herbs to create a comforting and flavorful meal. Add some crunchy bean sprouts for added texture and depth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound rare steak (such as brisket or chuck), sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef broth, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
2. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add bean sprouts and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
5. Assemble pho by placing noodles in a bowl, adding beef slices, and ladling hot broth over the top.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, scallions, and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Bibimbap with Bean Sprouts
A classic Korean dish, Bibimbap is a nutritious and flavorful rice bowl topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat (usually beef), and a fried egg. This version adds crispy bean sprouts for added texture and crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup bean sprouts
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (zucchini, carrots, bell peppers)
– 1/4 pound beef (or tofu), sliced into thin strips
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bean sprouts and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook beef (or tofu) in a separate pan with some oil until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Assemble Bibimbap by placing rice in the bottom of a bowl, followed by bean sprouts, vegetable mixture, and beef (or tofu).
6. Top with a fried egg and serve with sesame seeds and soy sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bean Sprout and Tofu Soup
This simple and nourishing soup is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients. A comforting bowl of goodness for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried bean sprouts
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in a little water until softened.
2. Add the vegetable broth, bean sprouts, tofu, and white pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the bean sprouts are tender.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Bean Sprout Stir-Fry
This recipe combines the crunch of bean sprouts with the heat of chili flakes and garlic, making it a flavorful and healthy side dish or light meal. With only a few ingredients and quick cooking time, you can enjoy this spicy stir-fry in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the bean sprouts, chili flakes, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the sprouts are tender but still crisp.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-7 minutes
Bean Sprout Pancakes
Start your day with a nutritious twist on traditional pancakes! These Bean Sprout Pancakes combine the earthy flavor of green beans with the crunch of sprouts, all wrapped up in a fluffy and delicious pancake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup finely chopped bean sprouts (about 1/2 cup whole)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the chopped bean sprouts.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the pan.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for another minute.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes total
Bean Sprout and Chicken Stir-Fry
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of bean sprouts with juicy chicken breast, all wrapped up in a savory stir-fry. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bean Sprout and Shrimp Salad
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of bean sprouts with the sweetness of shrimp, all tied together with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup cooked and chilled shrimp
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, bean sprouts, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (excluding cooking time for shrimp)
Bean Sprout and Beef Noodle Soup
This hearty soup combines the nutty flavor of bean sprouts with tender beef and chewy noodles, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. With its rich broth and abundance of vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed bean sprouts
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup noodles (such as rice noodles or egg noodles)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the beef strips in a little oil until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the bean sprouts, beef broth, noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until noodles are cooked through.
4. Return the beef to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bean Sprout and Mushroom Stir-Fry
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines the crunch of bean sprouts with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the bean sprouts, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the bean sprouts are tender-crisp.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Bean Sprout and Egg Fried Rice
A flavorful and nutritious Chinese-inspired dish that combines the savory goodness of fried rice with the crunchiness of bean sprouts and the creaminess of eggs.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 1 minute.
3. Add the bean sprouts and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Push the bean sprout mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the bean sprouts. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
6. Add soy sauce to taste and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bean Sprout and Pork Dumplings
Experience the harmonious union of tender pork and crisp bean sprouts wrapped in delicate dumpling wrappers.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup cooked bean sprouts
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped scallions, garlic, cooked bean sprouts, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook dumplings by steaming for 8-10 minutes or pan-frying with some oil until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bean Sprout and Cucumber Salad
This simple salad recipe combines the crunch of bean sprouts with the cooling freshness of cucumber, perfect for a light and revitalizing side dish or snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy this healthy and tasty treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked bean sprouts
– 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked bean sprouts and sliced cucumber.
2. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar and sesame oil.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Bean Sprout and Carrot Slaw
This refreshing slaw is a perfect side dish or topping for your favorite meals. With the crunch of bean sprouts and carrots, and a hint of sweetness from the dressing, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the bean sprouts and grated carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean sprout-carrot mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Bean Sprout and Avocado Wrap
This refreshing wrap combines the nutty flavor of bean sprouts with the creaminess of avocado, all wrapped up in a crispy whole wheat tortilla. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked bean sprouts
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 whole wheat tortilla
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together bean sprouts, mashed avocado, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Lay the tortilla flat and spread the bean sprout mixture evenly across the center of the wrap.
3. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrap to form a tight cylinder.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Bean Sprout and Peanut Butter Sandwich
This sweet and savory sandwich combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the crunchy texture of bean sprouts, all on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole wheat bread
– 1/4 cup of bean sprouts
– 2 tbsp of creamy peanut butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread one slice with peanut butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top the peanut butter with bean sprouts, spreading them evenly across the slice.
4. Place the second slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
5. Sprinkle salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Conclusion
Discover the versatility of bean sprouts with these 17 delicious recipes! From classic stir-fries to innovative salads and soups, we’ve got you covered. Try your hand at Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts with Garlic or Vietnamese Pho with Bean Sprouts. Or get creative with Bean Sprout Pancakes, Spicy Bean Sprout Stir-Fry, or Bean Sprout and Avocado Wrap. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, or satisfying, these recipes showcase the nutritional benefits of bean sprouts while offering a world of flavors to explore.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
