Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts with Green Garlic
A quick, aromatic side dish featuring crisp bean sprouts and fragrant green garlic stems, wok-tossed until just wilted. The mild sweetness of the sprouts pairs beautifully with the subtle garlic notes.
Story
This classic Chinese home-style stir-fry comes together in minutes. The key is high heat and quick cooking—bean sprouts should retain a slight crunch. Green garlic (qing suan) has a milder, more complex flavor than regular scallions, but scallions work well as a substitute.
Ingredients
bean sprouts
300g
green garlic or scallions
4-5 stalks
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
cooking wine
1 tablespoon
optional pinch of sugar
tiny pinch
Instructions
1
Prep the vegetables
Pick through bean sprouts and rinse well, then drain thoroughly. Trim the ends if desired. Cut green garlic into 5cm segments, separating the white lower stems from the tender green tops.
2
Heat the wok
Add oil to a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the white stems of the green garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly softened.
3
Stir-fry the sprouts
Add bean sprouts and toss continuously for 1-2 minutes. The sprouts should begin to wilt but still hold some crunch. Sprinkle in the cooking wine and continue tossing.
4
Season and finish
Add the green garlic tops, salt, and tiny pinch of sugar if using. Toss everything together for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot.
