Do I need to remove the stringy tails

You can remove them if you want, but it is not required. Most home cooks leave them on.

Can I make this ahead of time

This dish tastes best fresh since mung bean sprouts lose their crunch as they sit. Prep the ingredients ahead instead.

Are bean sprouts safe to eat

Always wash bean sprouts under cold running water and drain excess water well. If using raw bean sprouts, buy from a source you trust.

Can I use soy bean sprouts instead

Yes. Soybean sprouts take a little longer to cook and have a stronger flavor, but they work well in stir fries.

Stir Fried Bean Sprouts

Name: Stir Fried Bean Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces extra firm tofu; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, half for tofu, and half for the rest of stir frying; 6 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 pound fresh bean sprouts; 1 cup chives or green onions, cut into 2 inch pieces; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Description

If you love quick Thai veggie dishes that cook in minutes and still taste amazing, this bean sprout stir fry is for you. It is crisp, fresh, garlicky, and has just enough tofu for a simple, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces extra firm tofu
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, half for tofu, and half for the rest of stir frying
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound fresh bean sprouts
1 cup chives or green onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon white pepper

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Instructions

1. Brown the tofu. Cut tofu into bite sized pieces and pat dry. Heat half the oil over medium high heat in a heavy pan or wok. Brown the tofu on all sides until crisp and golden. Set aside.
2. Cook the garlic. In the same pan, add the rest of the oil. Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden. 20-30 seconds.
3. Add the bean sprouts. Add the washed bean sprouts to the pan and stir fry over high heat for about 2 minutes, keeping the heat high so the sprouts stay crisp.
4. Add the chives. Once the sprouts soften slightly, add the chives or green onions and stir fry quickly to mix everything together.
5. Add the seasoning. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper, tossing well so the sauce coats the sprouts evenly.
6. Add the tofu back in. Return the crispy tofu to the pan and give everything a quick stir to combine and warm through.
7. Taste and adjust. Taste and add more soy sauce or white pepper if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Try not to overcook the bean sprouts. You want them to keep a little crunch for the best texture.
Pat the tofu really dry so it browns fast and gets nice and crisp.
Use a heavy pan or wok to get the high heat needed for stir frying.
Once the seasonings go in, stir fast so the sprouts stay snappy, not soggy.
And if you want to switch things up next time, add shiitake mushrooms, a little chili pepper, or some sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Category: stir fry
Method: stove top
Cuisine: Thai