Kongnamul Muchim (콩나물 무침) – Korean Soybean Sprouts

If you’ve ever eaten at a Korean restaurant, you’ve likely tried some version of kongnamul muchim (콩나물 무침), or Korean soy bean sprouts. It’s a delicious and healthy side dish that can complement any meal, or you can even toss it into your bibimbap (Korean rice bowl).

It’s very easy to make, but you’ll probably need to go to a Korean or Asian market to find the soy bean sprouts. The rest is very straightforward.

Here’s what you need:

• ~12 oz. of soy bean sprouts (one small package)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½-1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper 
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1-2 cloves of garlic
• 1-2 green onions
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds (optional)

First you need to blanch the sprouts. In a medium-sized pot, add in the sprouts and 1 cup of water. Turn on the heat to medium-high, and as soon as you see the water bubble, cover and let cook for 2 minutes. Then immediately drain the water and place the sprouts into a separate bowl. 

Crush and chop your garlic, and slice your green onions into small pieces. Add to the bowl with the sprouts. Then add the sesame oil, red pepper, black pepper and salt. If you like, you can also add roasted sesame seeds.

Mix well, and the kongnamul muchim is ready to serve. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Kongnamul muchim (콩나물 무침) - Korean Soy Bean Sprouts

Small Bites – Asian, Korean

By Janice Yucel – Serves: 6-8

Prep Time: 3 Minutes – Cooking Time: 2 Minutes – Total Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• ~12 oz. of soy bean sprouts (one small package)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½-1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper 
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1-2 cloves of garlic
• 1-2 green onions
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1

In a medium-sized pot, add in the sprouts and 1 cup of water.

2

Turn on the heat to medium-high, and as soon as you see the water bubble, cover and let cook for 2 minutes.

3

Immediately drain the water and place the sprouts into a separate bowl. 

4

Crush and chop your garlic, and slice your green onions into small pieces. Add to the bowl with the sprouts.

5

Then add the sesame oil, red pepper, black pepper and salt.

6

If you like, you can also add roasted sesame seeds.

7

Mix well, and the kongnamul muchim is ready to serve.