Sometimes a dish I'de like to cook would need Mung bean sprouts, which for some, might not be a problem. But since I moved here in Germany, I have to, either, settle for the bottled ones, which I find awful (limp and taste totally different). Or option #2...drive 30 kilometers to get them fresh(ish) from the nearest Asian store from our place (if they have it).
Faced with these options, I usually end up skipping it or not cooking the dish altogether. Like for the longest time, I have been planning to make Lumpiang Togue (Mung bean sprouts Spring rolls) but every time we schedule a trip to the Asian shop, I either forget about it already or they do not have them.
But now, I learned about option #3 from an article in Serious Eats by KUMIKO MITARAI ...and is for me so much practical, easy and fun! I now grow my own Mung bean sprouts!!! And it usually takes only 3-4 days! Fresh, crisp (and for sure, clean) Mung bean sprouts any time and as much as I want or need!
What you need:
a jar (size depends on how much sprouts you plan to have)
a mesh cloth or net
a rubber band and
Mung beans enough to fill about a quarter of your jar.
Wash and rinse the mung beans thoroughly for several times until water becomes clear.
Soak for at least 2 hours until they expand a bit and skins start to break.
Cover top with mesh cloth and rubber band and drain the water through it. Turn the jar upside down and place it on top of the turned jar cover in a tilted position. This is to let excess water run out and allow air in. Place them in a dark place like in a cupboard or cabinet under the sink. If you started in the morning then in the afternoon or before your sleep, run water through the mesh and drain it again and put it back in its place. Do this at least two times a day for three days.
On the second day, you will see roots are starting to come out.
The sprouts are ready and can already be eaten on the third day, depending on what are you using them for. Wait another day and they will be about an inch long. Place the sprouts in a basin and fill it with water. Some of the hulls will float while some you have to remove on your own (or not). Transfer to a colander and let it drain fro several minutes before placing them in the fridge for storing for some days.
Cookie says
Is there a way to make the tails longer, like when you buy them? It seems like the mung beans wouldn’t have the same texture, or that the flavor wouldn’t fill out the dish.
Thanks for the information, do you have an opinion about lentil sprouts? I’ve seen reference to sprouting them, just curious about the taste and if the sprouting (growing).
Thank you!
Bebs says
This technique should work with other seeds. Keep the jar in a dark place to make for longer stems.
David Philbin says
Just another example of less is best thinking, and look at the great results! I'm now a kitchen farmer starting a few new crops a week.
Bebs says
Way to go, David! Thanks for your great comment.
Paddy says
Very interesting
Katkat says
After draining and rinsing, how long do i let the jar stay upside down before filling with water again?
Bebs says
If you did it in the morning then do it again in the afternoon or at night so they are hydrated during the night as well. Then again the next morning and then afternoon up to 3-4 days.
Merineza Carandang says
Hi Bebs! I am so much happy that I stumbled on your website and very much grateful for all your recipes. It was on an easy way that I get to enticed myself to try them out. May you continue to share and be blessed. Thanks again! Stay safe.
Bebs says
How nice of you to say, Merineza! Stay safe too..
Debbie says
Hi Bebs! How to you minimize root growth? I tried making them and there were so many roots!
Bebs says
Could it be that you waited too long to use them?
Suzanne says
Hi Bebs! Dacal a salamat for this post! This ECQ have got us experimenting and cooking and baking at home. We were craving for vegetable lumpia and wanted some togue but the ones we found in a store here in our subdivision was very expensive. So glad to find this easy way to sprout ours. Other posts looked complicated kasi. 😅 Again, many thanks! Take care, cabalen!
Bebs says
Hi Suzanne, dacal a salamat mu rin king pamagcomment mu. Happy to have helped you in our small way. Salese mu rin, mimingat Cabalen.
Susana says
Where can you get that mesh cloth?
Bebs says
The one I use is actually a piece from our garden to protect plants from insects. But you can also use gauze or something similar.
Sue says
How long does it take the sprouts to go from that deep green to almost a yellow color?
Bebs says
Hi Sue, I let it sprout for 5 days to get to that point. Depends also on how cold or warm your area is.
Suzie says
Thank you.
Your method was simple and easy to follow compared to others.
Do you have a recipe for home made Tahini
Bebs says
I am all for simple and easy, Suzie!😉
Roxanne says
Oh my, thank you! I've had the same problem since moving to Germany. The good thing is, Germany has a lot of Unverpackt stores, so I can make my own in an ecofriendly way <3
Bebs says
You are welcome, Roxanne! And you can do the same with other beans or seeds... have fun!
David says
How and where do you buy your mung beans? Do you buy them semi-fresh or are they dried like red and black beans so that you can buy them in bulk? I would imagine if you don't want to drive 30km to get the sprouts, you probably wouldn't want to drive that far each time you need the beans too.
Anyways, just asking because I'm pretty sure the nearest "mung bean supplier" is probably further than 30km for me. :-p
Bebs says
Hi David, I buy them in a (plastic) pack and yes, like the dry red or black beans...and a jar usually needs about 3-4 tablespoons so a pack really goes a long way. Just try to see that the Mung beans are not too dried (the skin is crumpled instead of smooth). If you are planning to make a lot of sprouts then it would be wise to stock up especially if you need more than 30km to buy them. 🙂
Rose says
Thank you for this site
Rose says
I love cooking but I don't have that mixer so can't experience how to bake even a simple cake
Bebs says
There are cakes and other stuff you can make without a mixer. And if you have the patience and the will and the muscles, a whisk can also work :-).