Sautéed Mung Bean Sprouts with Garlic and Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and healthy Filipino vegetable side dish featuring crunchy mung bean sprouts stir-fried with garlic and a hint of chili heat. This filipino-inspired vegetarian ready in about 10 minutes pairs mung bean sprouts, washed and drained, garlic cloves, minced, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Serves 3 Filipino cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 small thinly sliced red chili pepper, sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 3 cups mung bean sprouts and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the sprouts are bright and slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 1 tbsp soy sauce over the sprouts and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Stir continuously for another minute until the sprouts are evenly coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Mung Bean Sprouts with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Mung Bean Sprouts with Garlic and Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Mung Bean Sprouts with Garlic and Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Mung Bean Sprouts with Garlic and Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Mung Bean Sprouts with Garlic and Chili?

Filipino vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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