Beansprouts

How to Prepare Beansprouts for Instant Ramen

Beansprouts are a fantastic and quick addition to instant ramen, offering both a visual appeal and a satisfying crunch or tenderness depending on how they’re prepared. This post will guide you through several easy methods for incorporating beansprouts into your next bowl, ensuring they perfectly complement your noodles.

How to wash beansprouts

Place your beansprouts in a bowl and cover them with cool water. Gently swish them around with your hand. This soaking step helps to loosen any stubborn dirt or remaining hulls.

After a brief soak, pour the contents of the bowl into a colander or strainer. As you pour, the water will carry away much of the loosened dirt and debris.

Repeat this process…transferring the sprouts back to the bowl with fresh water and then pouring them back into the strainer. Two to three times, or until the water running through the colander is completely clear.

This ensures that your beansprouts are thoroughly clean and ready to be used in your delicious ramen.

How to boil beansprouts

Boiling is my absolute favorite way to prepare beansprouts for instant ramen because it’s incredibly quick and convenient. You can even do it in the same pot while your noodles are cooking! It softens them just enough while keeping that satisfying crunch.

1. Cook Your Ramen Noodles (Almost Done): Start by cooking your instant ramen noodles in boiling water until they are almost done, usually around 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Beansprouts: Toss your washed sprouts into the same pot with the noodles.
3. Cook Briefly: Cook the sprouts with the noodles for just 30 seconds to 1 minute. They should soften slightly but still retain some firmness.
4. Strain Noodles and Beansprouts: Once the noodles are done and the beansprouts are slightly softened, drain them both together in a colander.
5. Toss with Sauce (Bowl or Pan): Transfer the drained noodles and sprouts to your serving bowl and toss with the ramen seasoning packet. Alternatively, for a richer flavor, keep the pan on medium-low heat, add the seasoning packet, and toss everything together for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until well coated.

You can find the recipe for my Spam and Egg Buldak Spicy Ramen, where I used a boil-and-sauté method for the beansprouts.

Adding beansprouts raw

For the absolute easiest way to incorporate beansprouts and retain their fresh, slightly grassy flavor and maximum crunch, you can simply add them raw to your instant ramen. This method requires no extra cooking and is perfect when you’re looking for speed and simplicity.

How to Add Raw Beansprouts:

1. Wash Thoroughly: As with any method, make sure your beansprouts are washed extremely well under cold, running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can even soak them briefly as described earlier.
2. Drain Well: Allow the washed sprouts to drain completely in a colander.
3. Add to Your Ramen: Once your instant ramen is cooked and in your bowl, simply sprinkle the raw beansprouts over the top as a final garnish. The heat from the broth will slightly wilt the sprouts, taking away some of the raw edge while still preserving their crunch and fresh flavor.

Important Disclaimer: Potential Risks of Eating Raw Sprouts

While generally considered safe for most healthy individuals, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw sprouts, including beansprouts. Raw sprouts can harbor bacteria that may cause foodborne illness.  

So, whether you prefer them raw for a refreshing crunch or lightly cooked for a tender bite, beansprouts are a quick and easy way to add texture and a subtle sweetness to your instant ramen. Give them a try in your next bowl!