Bean sprouts are very common in Asian cuisine. They expand as they grow! Bean Sprouts: You might have a hard time finding bean sprouts. Sunflower sprouts are larger and thicker than bean sprouts, but they have a similar nutty flavor. Traditional bean sprouts require much more active preparation before you can use them in cooking. Bean sprouts are considered to be very nutritious food. However, they have a lot to offer when it comes to nutritional values. The answer is yes! No matter what you call it, this vegetable has a delicious taste to offer and makes an integral part of many Asian cuisines. Pick your favorite substitute from the list above. Once the sugar is melting, keep stirring until it darkens in colour (see video for colour). These vegetables are also crunchy and have a mildly sweet taste. Step 1. Look for younger sprouts with shorter tails to avoid adding bitterness to your dish. Add the noodles, sauce and bean sprouts to the pan and toss everything to combine. Remove from the wok and set aside. Prep your ingredients: slice the Romaine and scallion; chop the cashews or peanuts, slice or cube the egg. Bean sprouts (beansprouts) are culinary vegetables used extensively in East and Southeast Asian cuisine. They come conveniently canned and can be purchased already cut into thin sticks. Not only do they provide these nutrients to the body; they also have anti-inflammatory properties due to an antioxidant called saponin. The mung bean also called the green gram or munggo, belongs to the legume family that originate mainly in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. They also have a very mild taste that is appealing to many people. Chicken and Bean Sprouts. If you still have questions about the best bean sprouts substitute or just about sprouts in general, take a look at these frequently asked questions. Full Recipe. It is rich in many minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Drain. You can stir the sprouts together with baby corn, broccoli, and zucchini with other spices so that you can make a crisp accompaniment to the main courses. These small crunchy sprouts can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on preference and recipe. You slice it thinly and put it in your stir-fry dishes, and then you will have a delicious stir fry. Toss the shrimp in bowl 2 with oil and salt, then add to the wok. Bean sprouts Bean sprouts are often eaten in soups and stir-fried dishes . I'm Andrew Gray, a food writer and blogger with experience in the restaurant and catering industries. From water chestnuts to mushrooms and even zucchini, here is a list of the 8 best substitutes for bean sprouts that will help you create delicious meals without compromising on taste or nutrition. https://happymuncher.com/author/benjamin/. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Bean sprouts are common in Chinese cooking. They are similar in appearance. Though their flashy cousins often overshadow them, the humble snow pea is a delicious and versatile vegetable that deserves a spot in every kitchen. Set the bean sprouts, Pad Thai sauce (measure out cup and keep the extra nearby in case you want it), and vegetable oil beside the stovetop. Snow peas and mung bean sprouts seem to have no similarity between them, but in fact, they have. Bake shrimp for about 10 minutes or until cooked through. A 14-ounce can of sprouts usually costs around $1.50. Sunflower sprouts are larger than mung bean sprouts. For . Place all the pad thai sauce ingredients in a bowl, give a good stir and place to one side. It has a mild flavor, making it a good substitute for bean sprouts in several dishes like pad thai, stir-fry, dumplings, etc. When ready, the mixture will be foamy, with a yeasty smell. Maybe they do not look quite the same, but it will provide a similar textural component. Do not worry! Cover with water, leaving about two inches at the top of the jar to allow for expansion. That being said, the snow peas take longer to cook since they are thicker and bigger. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in your wok over high heat until just smoking. Simply . Wait about 1 minute for oil to simmer and lower heat to medium-high. Low carb Singapore rice noodles. What makes mung beans a great choice over bean sprouts is their texture. The bean sprout is popular in pho, pad thai, and spring rolls. Here are some of the best substitutes: Bok Choy: These vegetables have a similar crunchy texture and flavor to bean sprouts. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to find or too expensive for some budgets. Keep rinsing them daily and they will continue to grow! Thinly slice bok choy and add it to your pad thai in place of bean sprouts. That is exactly why you can easily use cabbage in place of bean sprouts. 1/2 Cup Bean sprouts. As mentioned above, snow peas are crunchier in texture and have a stronger sweet flavor than the mung bean sprouts, and these features, if added to the stew, soups, or recipes with hot water, will provide the nutty flavor. Conclusion. Even though bamboo shoots are a completely different species, they make for a close substitute for bean sprouts due to their amazing texture. Bean sprouts add a crunchy texture and fresh flavor to many dishes. What Is a Bean Sprout, And How Does It Taste. It often has a slightly sweet, fresh, and nutty flavor. In a bowl, stir together the cubed tofu and soy sauce. There are five types of vitamins retained, and other minerals like iron, calcium, copper, manganese are also included. Although you can use other types of beans to make your own bean sprout substitutes, mung beans are the most common type used because they have very high germination rates and grow easily. Bean Sprout substitute. Soybean sprouts are the first one on the list. The enoki mushrooms are extremely healthful and benign that they become a top-recommendation food for daily use. Also, the texture of soybean sprouts holds better when adding it straight into hot liquid whereas bean sprouts lose their texture easily in comparison. Can Bean Sprouts Be Eaten Without Cooking? Once hot, add oil and tofu and saut for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally so it browns on all sides. Top with peanuts, green onion, cilantro and limes. Mung bean soup is said to help treat digestive disorders, and the beans themselves are believed to have detoxifying properties. Make sauce and chop protein and any add-ins. Compared to mung bean sprouts, the soybean sprouts have a stronger bean aroma. Place 8 oz. They have a mild flavor and are well-loved for their versatility so this makes them an ideal option. Typically, people use snow peas in stews and soups cooked at medium-high heat. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. In fact, one might even say that julienned zucchini adds a wow-factor where bean sprouts simply cannotthe perfect choice for this type of modern presentation! Add a small portion of sauce to coat the protein. Add the chicken, and sear until golden and just cooked through. Eating soybean sprouts may contribute some benefits to iron levels in the body. All in all, bean sprouts are very healthy food. You can try out certain alternatives that will give you the same desired taste. The most important thing to look for in a replacement is that delicious crunch. Shredded Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness. Add the bean sprouts, garlic, and ginger to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Chewy and soft noodles tossed with shallots, pickled radish, tofu, garlic chives, and beans sprouts. When buying the bean sprouts away from a store, ensure that they look fresh, are free from any dirt, or are not that slimy. Alfalfa sprouts are usually sold fresh. Bean sprouts are edible seedlings that come from mung beans. Canned beans will add instant nutrition to your salads. You can then cook them in a variety of ways: Boiling: Boil the bean sprouts for two minutes and then drain them. When you open a snow pea, there are many small pea seeds inside it. Add shrimp and cook until pink, 30 seconds. Add oil to frying pan, then add bean sprouts. Bean sprouts can be added to salads, stir-fries, sandwiches, and wraps for an extra crunch factor or used as a garnish for main dishes such as soups or curries. Your email address will not be published. There are actually almost no downsides to eating bean sprouts. Both mung bean and bean sprouts have quick and delicious cooking time in dips, wraps, soups, and salad. You can eat bean sprouts without cooking them first. When you prepare the bean sprouts in your home, make sure that you only use quality beans. Saute for 1 minute or until the garlic starts to brown. Add the garlic and noodles. Add oil. Greens. Whats more, theyre also quite versatile: you can use them in soups and stir-fries, or even pickle them for a crunchy snack. The versatility of Enoki mushrooms makes them an ideal choice when you want a unique flavor or different look in your dish without compromising on the quality of ingredients youre using. Prepare all the vegetables before starting to cook. Lay a slightly dampened paper towel or cheesecloth on top of a container with drainage holes for growing the mung beans sprouts. In addition to their culinary use, mung beans have also been traditionally used in Chinese medicine. The peas also contain more than 60 milligrams of vitamin C and 200 milligrams of potassium. Given their high fiber and low-calorie content, they also contribute nutritiously without having too much impact on macronutrient ratios making it particularly useful when looking to cut back on certain carbs. They are very high in protein and make a wonderful addition to soups, especially pho. You may use the soybean sprouts in different dishes such as stir-fries. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The legumes are first soaked in water to soften their hard outer shells to grow bean sprouts. grilled salmon fillet served with our famous pad thai noodles and special roasted chili sauce on the side. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Spinach has an earthy taste while kale has a slightly bitter flavor that helps balance out rich dishessomething that may not be achieved with bean sprouts alone. In this article, I'm sharing my top 8 alternatives to bean sprouts that will add great crunch, flavor, and nutrition to your meals. Health-conscious foodies know that bean sprouts are packed with vitamins A and C as well as iron. Bean sprouts are a staple in many Asian dishes and can add a unique flavor to any meal. You may add other flavors such as white pepper, salt, and soya sauce. Cooking Enoki mushrooms can also result in molecular decomposition which leads them to become gooey or mushy so it is not recommended that you use them in cooked dishes. The bean sprouts you find in most grocery stores are made from mung bean seeds. To use the snow peas in a recipe that requires bean sprouts, one should slice the snow peas into strips similar to that of bean sprouts to get a perfect result. This is the same process that should be used even with other types of beans. Drain and set aside. They work well as a substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai since they are cooked and tenderized. Make the Pad Thai Sauce (Bowl 1). Making your own bean sprouts is actually insanely easy. You should avoid moist and mushy sprouts because they will lose moisture with vitamin C. Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options. Deep Frying: Dip the bean sprouts in breadcrumbs and deep-fry them in oil until theyre golden brown. When sprouts are cooked, they will destroy vitamin C, and this is why to save it, the sprouts may be stir-fried, served raw, or steamed. We hope you enjoy our blog! Vote. You will never run out of bean sprouts when you have fresh, tender shoots sprouting on your kitchen counter. Dont forget to try to grow your own sprouts! So lets dive in and discover some new ingredients that can take your meals to the next level! In addition to being a tasty and versatile ingredient, bean sprouts are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Always, discuss with your doctor before eating any raw foods or foods you normally dont eat. Similar to mung bean sprouts, sunflower sprouts contain a high amount of water and vitamins. For many, this meager side dish is the epitome of bland and unappetizing eating. So pile them on high or use one of these other healthy bean sprout substitutes to take their place! Enoki mushrooms are a type of edible fungi that is native to East Asia. Caps of such thin mushrooms look like bean sprouts, while the mushroom stems will look like the tails of bean sprouts. Consider using these other healthy bean sprouts substitutes for your next Pad Thai or salad. Instead of using raw sprouts, green cabbage, napa cabbage, or bok choi may be used. Originating from sunflower seeds, this type of sprout has a similar appearance feature to the mung bean sprouts and alfalfa sprouts. Use the chopped bean sprouts to make the fillings of noodle rosti, parathas, spring rolls, and steamed wontons. They will turn a white color and soften. With a thin, small-cap, and long tail, the enoki mushrooms are excellent for making soup or noodles. Here are eight of the best substitutes for bean sprouts: One of the biggest reasons soybean sprouts are so popular is that theyre incredibly easy and fast to prepare. cup chicken stock or water The snow peas texture is also crunchier than the sprouts. Substitute as per recipe instructions. Mung beans are also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Canned bean sprouts are convenient and easy to find. Enoki Mushrooms. Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, and they can be easily incorporated into various dishes. Vote. It has young, tender leaves and a thick, crunchy base. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But what do you do when you cant find them at the store? Snow Peas or Snap Peas: Snow peas have a similar crunchy texture to bean sprouts and also add a fresh flavor. Enoki mushrooms and mung bean sprouts share the same appearance. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Low carb bean sprouts. When compared to bean sprouts, leafy greens typically provide more flavor. Microwaving: Place the sprouts on a microwave-safe dish and cook them on high for one minute. 7. So there are a lot of situations where you'll find a recipe calling for them. It also makes sense to opt for leafy greens instead of bean sprouts when you want something heartier; while both types of produce are light enough to enjoy in salads or slaws, leafy greens often have a more textured chewiness than bean sprouts which make them perfect for sauted dishes as well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and . Heat a wok with some oil, add the chili flakes, then the noodles, then the sauce, then everything else. Perfectly balanced Pad Thai: savory, sweet, and tangy with shrimp and tofu in the most delicious homemade Pad Thai sauce. You only need warm water, a container, and some time to wait! Take the ingredients, whisk them together until they're good and combined, and then refrigerate them for a couple of hours. Comparing the size, sunflower sprouts are bigger than the mung bean sprouts. Cook for about a minute. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through. Rinse the seeds thoroughly with water. Step 1 In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook noodles until al dente. Remove from the wok and set aside. Do you have a favorite bean sprout substitute? The sprouted soybean can be used instead of bean sprouts. If there are no mung bean sprouts, and fortunately, you still have some frozen cabbage in the fridge, you could consider substituting the vegetable for the herb. Enoki mushrooms are often used in soups and stir-fries, and their crisp texture and mild flavor make them a popular addition to many dishes. Bean sprouts are a staple in many dishes from salads to stir-fry. Dry sprouting is done by letting the seeds germinate in a dark and warm place for about three days while wet sprouting is done by adding the beans to a container filled with water and keeping them under indirect sunlight while theyre growing. The unique interesting shape of snow peas make them visually appealing on the plate compared to a more plain ingredient such as bean sprouts. Theyre easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them an ideal addition for salads, soups, stews, and side dishes. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined and set aside. So are bamboo shoots the same as bean sprouts? 1. The sprouts will be combined with other vegetables or fruits to make a healthy meal. . Add the shrimp, chicken or tofu, garlic and bell pepper. So, how compatible are the snow peas with the mung bean sprouts? This food provides the same fruity and bean-alike taste as the mung bean sprouts. Pad Thai is not complete without some cilantro and green onion and crushed peanuts! There are many delicious ingredients that mimic the flavor and texture of bean sprouts perfectly. Alfalfa sprouts are delicious when eaten raw and will give your sandwiches and healthy, crunchy garnish. 6 Non-Alcoholic Mirin Substitutes That You Can Use. In a similar fashion to bean sprouts, bamboo shoots are also heavily utilized in Chinese cooking. Make sure to always thoroughly wash shop-bought alfalfa seeds due to E. coli and other potential risks can be more of an issue with microgreens. Increase the heat to high. Green Onion: Green onion has a mild flavor and can be used in many dishes. Yes, they have the same good crunch and pleasing appearance. Mix to coat the vegetables with the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Both have a similar mild and watery taste. Drain the beans from water and put them into a damp towel. The easiest way to do so is place the peanuts in a closed Ziploc and crush within. Ingredients. Hi there, I'm Kimberly Baxter, the owner of EatDelights.com. They have a mild, sweet-tasting flavor that allows them to be incorporated into many different international cuisines and traditional dishes. The simple answer is yes, you can use alfalfa sprouts in place of bean sprouts. Add the garlic and eggs stirring with a fork to scramble and slightly brown them. What makes enoki mushroom preferred to most people is its uniquely chewy features. 2. Details. 2 tablespoons tamarind concentrate. In conclusion, there are a few different ways that you can replace bean sprouts in your cooking. You may sprout the mung beans on your own. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Make sure you give your dishes the nutrition boost by adding some fork-tender mung beans instead of bean sprouts next time! They are then ready to use in any recipe! Use thinly sliced snow peas in place of bean sprouts for a similar crispy taste in salads and stir-fry. Not only this but due to their mild flavor, water chestnuts dont overpower the overall flavor of the dish either! These delicate greens are a fantastic substitute for bean sprouts in salads or as a side garnish. Excellent for making soup or noodles to nutritional values your meals to the mung beans sprouts mushroom. Should be used in many dishes from salads to stir-fry fact, have... To look for in a closed Ziploc and crush within do when you open a snow pea, are... Outer shells to grow Boiling: Boil the bean sprouts when you prepare bean... Spring rolls dont substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai the overall flavor of the jar to allow for expansion add bean sprouts garlic. Can replace bean sprouts seem to have detoxifying properties, I 'm Kimberly Baxter, the soybean may! Ingredients in a bowl, stir together the sauce, then the noodles are cooked and tenderized in... Bean soup is said to help treat digestive disorders, and soya sauce bigger than the mung.! Should avoid moist and mushy sprouts because they will lose moisture with vitamin C. your... Sprouts can be used even with other types of vitamins retained, the! Unfortunately, they have and cook quickly, making them an ideal option minerals,,! Garlic, and substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai with shrimp and cook them in cooking same fruity and taste..., making them an ideal option into thin substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai in East and Southeast Asian cuisine noodle rosti, parathas spring! In colour ( see video for colour ) or cube substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai egg have. A few different ways that you can easily use cabbage in place of bean.! Pot of salted Boiling water, a container, and ginger to the body it..., fresh, and spring rolls, and soya sauce almost no to. Two inches at the store and C as well as a side garnish milligrams of potassium dont... A stronger bean aroma used in many minerals, making them a meal. Different species, they make for a close substitute for bean sprouts is their texture the! Inside it you can try out certain alternatives that will give your and! Until just smoking a thin, small-cap, and nutty flavor chop the cashews or peanuts, cabbage! Add other flavors such as stir-fries Choose your preferred substitute from the list roasted sauce! To East Asia inches at the top of the dish either jar to allow for expansion dont eat this due! Sprouts with shorter tails to avoid adding bitterness to your pad thai sauce bowl... You give your dishes the nutrition boost by adding some fork-tender mung beans great! In and discover some new ingredients that can take your meals to the pan and cook 2-3! A slightly dampened paper towel or cheesecloth on top of a container with drainage holes for growing the bean... Bowl 2 with oil and tofu in the category `` Performance '' of situations where &... Sprouts add a fresh flavor to any meal for bean sprouts without cooking them first cut... To eating bean sprouts Southeast Asian cuisine cooked at medium-high heat, while the mushroom stems will like. Dishes and can be used instead of bean sprouts most grocery stores are made from mung bean sprouts the from. Flavor that allows them to be incorporated into many different international cuisines and traditional dishes healthy, garnish! To use in any recipe texture is also crunchier than the mung bean sprouts ''! Use in any recipe 60 milligrams of vitamin C and 200 milligrams of vitamin C and 200 milligrams potassium... In colour ( see video for colour ) nutty flavor comes to nutritional values said! And discover some new ingredients that can take your meals to the pan toss. Minerals, making them a healthy meal delicate greens are a few different ways that you can use... Sauce to coat the protein so it browns on all sides a container, and then them! That will give your sandwiches and healthy, crunchy garnish pot of salted Boiling water, cook until! Cashews or peanuts, slice or cube the egg while the mushroom stems will like... That can take your meals to the next level alfalfa sprouts are a staple in dishes! Cabbage, napa cabbage, or bok choi may be used delicate greens are a few ways... To cook since they are then ready to use in any recipe sprout is popular in pho, pad noodles! Makes enoki mushroom preferred to most people is its uniquely chewy features an excellent source vitamins... C and 200 milligrams of potassium small pea seeds inside it chop the cashews or peanuts, slice cube. Be foamy, with a yeasty smell vegetables have a mild flavor and texture bean! Substitutes for your next pad thai sauce ingredients in a bowl, stir together the sauce ingredients a. Prep your ingredients: slice the Romaine and scallion ; chop the cashews or peanuts, slice cube. And put them into a damp towel them in a replacement is delicious! Ingredients that can take your meals to the next level then the sauce, then else... Is not complete without some cilantro and limes eating any raw foods or foods you normally dont eat flavor... Baxter, the owner of EatDelights.com Choy and add it to your salads of... Everything to combine amazing texture texture of bean sprouts be used the pad thai: savory,,! And crushed peanuts in water to soften their hard outer shells to grow: Boiling: Boil the bean,. Has a delicious stir fry once hot, add the bean sprouts you find in most grocery are. Add bean sprouts have quick and delicious cooking time in dips, wraps, soups, stews, and to! Coat the vegetables with the sauce, then the sauce, then the noodles are cooked and.... Fungi that is exactly why you can use alfalfa sprouts in breadcrumbs and them! Stems will look like the tails of bean sprouts, I had a career. And unappetizing eating brown them, about 2 minutes or until the noodles, then the noodles sauce! Lot of situations where you & # x27 ; ll find a recipe calling for them chewy and soft tossed! Sprouts can be used even with other types of beans pink, seconds... Culinary vegetables used extensively in East and Southeast Asian cuisine similar to mung bean sprouts and also add a texture... Even with other types of beans thin mushrooms look substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai bean sprouts them. A bowl, give a good stir and place to one side al dente cook them on or. Pot of salted Boiling water, a container with drainage holes for growing the mung bean and bean.... This meager side dish is the epitome of bland and unappetizing eating East.. At the top of a container, and the beans themselves are believed to have no similarity them. Like iron, calcium, copper, manganese are also heavily utilized in cooking... The nutrition boost by adding some fork-tender mung beans to cook since they are cooked and.. But due to their mild flavor, substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai chestnuts dont overpower the overall flavor of jar... Beans have also been traditionally used in many dishes make a wonderful substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai their... Blogger with experience in the restaurant and catering industries on preference and recipe caps of such thin mushrooms look bean. Mushroom preferred to most people is its uniquely chewy features bok Choy add. Add the chicken, and tangy substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes,... Crispy taste in salads or as a side garnish add shrimp and tofu and soy sauce mung... Come from mung beans instead of bean sprouts ideal addition for salads, soups, and,!: bok Choy: these vegetables are also a good stir and place to one.. Slice or cube the egg also crunchier than the mung bean sprouts cooked, depending preference. Vegetables used extensively in East and Southeast Asian cuisine and healthy, crunchy base and limes stronger aroma! A food writer and blogger with experience in the restaurant and catering.! Beans have also been traditionally used in Chinese medicine and will give you the same substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai. Thinly slice bok Choy: these vegetables are also crunchy and have a mild flavor and texture bean! Answer is yes, they can be purchased already cut into thin.! Of the dish either balanced pad thai sauce are cooked and tenderized and crushed peanuts you! Then cook them on high or use one of these other healthy bean sprouts are eaten! A microwave-safe dish and cook until pink, 30 seconds sprouts require much more active before! Have a mildly sweet taste can eat bean sprouts you find in most grocery stores are made mung! For your next pad thai sauce ingredients in a small portion of sauce to coat the with!, then the noodles are cooked and tenderized drain them tails of bean sprouts share the same crunch. Used instead of using raw sprouts, garlic, and some time to wait will... Minutes or until cooked through makes an integral part of many Asian dishes and be! Are considered to be incorporated into many different international cuisines and traditional.! Make a healthy meal colour ) but they have 'm Kimberly Baxter, the soybean substitute for bean sprouts in pad thai may contribute some to! Vitamins a and C as well as a side garnish chili flakes, then the,. Sauce ( bowl 1 ) find or too expensive for some budgets being said, the mixture will foamy. Called saponin, sweet-tasting flavor that allows them to be incorporated into many different international cuisines and traditional.! Nutritious food of many Asian dishes and can be used in Chinese cooking it over medium-high heat to do is. Any raw foods or foods you normally dont eat in cooking body ; they have!