What is it?

The crisp-tender sprouts of various beans and seeds. Thick mung bean sprouts, often used in stir-fries, are perhaps the most well-known, but sprouts from lentils, radishes, or soy beans have a delicous earthy flavor and a crisp texture. Delicious on sandwiches and in salads, they make great garnishes, too.

How to choose:

Look for crisp sprouts with their buds still attached.

How to prep:

Sprouts are best eaten raw; wash and dry them as you would salad green.

How to store:

Sprouts don’t last long so use them soon after buying and keep them refrigerated.

Cross Reference

mung bean sprouts

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Coconut Curry Rice Noodle Soup with Shrimp

  This soup—somewhere between a curry and a pho—gets its inspiration from Malaysian laksa. Fish sauce takes the place of the traditional shrimp paste, and jalapeños impart heat. There are many…

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  Recipe

  Quick Chicken Pho

  The authentic version of this fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup starts with a broth made from scratch. Here, purchased broth is simmered with charred ginger and onion and lots of spices…

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  Recipe

  Korean Soy and Red Chili Fried Rice

  This vegetarian fried rice doubles down on the soy with tofu and edamame (and sprouts, if you like). The sweet-and-spicy Korean chile paste gochujang gives it a kick.

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  Recipe

  Chinese Garlic Black-Bean Pork Fried Rice

  Salty-sweet fermented black bean sauce elevates this quick stir-fry to something extraordinary. But it's a great way to use up what you have. No carrots or cabbage in the fridge?…

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  Moveable Feast

  Soft-Shell Crab Laksa

  Laksa is a traditional spicy noodle dish of Southeast Asia (especially Malaysia). It’s chile-rich and bright with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, but has plenty of coconut milk to temper…

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  Recipe

  Korean Bean Sprouts (Kong Namul)

  One of several banchan, or side dishes that round out a Korean barbecue menu, these crunchy sprouts are imbued with nutty flavor from sesame oil and roasted sesame seeds. You…

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  Recipe

  Authentic Pad Thai

  This classic stir-fry of rice noodles, tofu, dried shrimp, and colorful garnishes is a street-food staple in Thailand, and surprisingly easy to make at home. If you can’t find tamarind,…

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  Recipe

  Pad Thai with Chicken and Shrimp

  Though pad thai is Thailand's iconic national dish, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Even better, the ingredients for this noodle stir-fry are fairly accessible. The only two specialty items are…

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  Recipe

  Rice Noodle Salad

   

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  Recipe

  Pork Lo Mein with Seared Scallions & Shiitakes

  You can usually find Chinese noodles in the produce section of the supermarket.