I always buy bean sprouts from the market for about 30 cents and then spend an hour or so plucking away the roots off every sprout. Not that I particularly enjoy this task but I guess its more worthwhile than paying 5 times this price for ready-to-be-used ones. All the trouble just to save that few cents. Haha.
Anyway, this is an extremely cheap and easy to prepare dish. I don’t think you can get another type of vegetable at only 30 cents these days. Folks on a tight budget, just eat bean sprouts everyday ;p
However, don’t be deceived by the price. Cheap doesn’t mean it’s not good. Mung bean sprouts are easily digestible and are a great source of fibre. They contain Vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting and has the ability to regulate blood pressure. They are high in choline which is necessary for detoxifying the liver. Low in fat and calories and with zero cholesterol.
Stir Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish Recipe
Ingredients (serves 2)
250g bean sprouts
15g dried salted fish
1 tsp minced garlic
a dash of oyster sauce mixed with 1 tbsp water
1 stalk spring onion, cut into 1″ length (optional)
Instructions
1. Soak the salted fish in water for about 30 minutes to soften it. Rinse, pat dry with kitchen towel and cut into very small pieces.
2. Heat a little oil in pan and pan-fry salted fish bits till crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Using the same pan, saute garlic till fragrant. Add bean sprouts and oyster sauce mixture and quick fry at high heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir in salted fish & spring onions and serve.
Perfectly cooked bean sprouts should still maintain their crisp. Also, as the salted fish will already flavour the dish, there is no need to add extra salt or light soy sauce. A little oyster sauce is good enough to make it more savoury. Enjoy!