Make sure that your bean sprouts are refrigerated; otherwise, they are susceptible to bacteria. They can be pre-packaged, or they can be sold loose/by weight. [5] X Research source
You will be washing and cooking the bean sprouts eventually, but you still want to avoid cross-contamination with raw meat and seafood.
If you buy pre-packaged ones, you need to use them before the “best-buy” date. The longer you let bean sprouts sit unused in the fridge, the more prone they’ll be to growing bacteria.
You can pinch off this wispy, brown thread at the end of the root if you want to, but this is not absolutely necessary. [9] X Research source
If you are cooking more bean sprouts, use enough water to cover them.
Be sure to rinse the bean sprouts with filtered water first. You can also remove the brown threads from the roots, but you don’t have to.
This is important; otherwise, the extra moisture will dilute any sauces, oils, or dressings that you add.
If you want to turn them into a popular Japanese salad, keep reading!
If you can’t buy toasted sesame seeds, you’ll need to toast them yourself in a dry frying pan for a few seconds. Peel the garlic clove before you grate it. If you don’t have anything to grate the garlic with, use a garlic press instead.
This step completes the dressing for the salad. You can use a different type of oil, if you want to, but the flavor may not be the same.
You can save the salad for later, but eat it within 24 hours.
You can use another type of oil if you want something more flavorful, such as peanut oil. Vegetable oil is recommended because it won’t impart a strong flavor to the bean sprouts.
You can omit this step if you don’t like onion, or replace it with 1 clove of garlic instead.
If you want to, you can remove the brownish threads at the ends of the white roots first.
Be careful not to overcook them, however, or they will start to turn mushy.
Sautéed bean sprouts make a great side dish.
If you don’t like peanut oil, you can use another stir frying oil instead, such as canola or vegetable.
You’re not quite done cooking yet, so don’t worry if the ingredients don’t look cooked.
Remove the little brown hairs at the ends of the white roots first. Do not overcook the bean sprouts, or they will turn mushy.
For a more filling meal, serve them over steamed rice.
