Mung bean sprouts are a nutritious and low-calorie vegetable, with 1 cup (124.0 g) of cooked mung bean sprouts containing only 24 calories. In addition to being low in calories, mung bean sprouts are packed with nutrients that are essential for good health.
Mung bean sprouts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium. They are also low in fat and cholesterol, making them a healthy option for people who are looking to maintain a healthy weight or improve their overall health.
In this article, we'll explore various ways to cook and enjoy mung bean sprouts, as well as their many health benefits.
Nutritional Value of Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts are packed with essential nutrients that are important for good health. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium, and low in fat and cholesterol. In fact, 1 cup (124.0 g) of cooked mung bean sprouts contains 3 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber, and 74% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. This makes mung bean sprouts a great addition to your diet if you're looking to improve your health or maintain a healthy weight.
Ways to Cook Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts can be enjoyed in several different ways, including raw, cooked, or as a salad ingredient. One popular way to cook mung bean sprouts is to stir-fry them with vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions. This is a quick and easy way to add some healthy vegetables to your diet. Mung bean sprouts can also be added to soups, stews, and curries to add some texture and flavor. They can be used as a filling for vegetarian wraps or sandwiches, or as a topping for salads.
Health Benefits of Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts have several health benefits, including improving digestion, strengthening the immune system, and reducing inflammation. The high fiber content in mung bean sprouts helps to keep the digestive system healthy and regular, while the vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and prevent infections. Mung bean sprouts also contain phytochemicals, such as saponins and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Mung Bean Sprouts for Weight Loss
Mung bean sprouts are a great food for people who are looking to lose weight, as they are low in calories and high in fiber and protein. The high fiber content in mung bean sprouts helps to keep you feeling full for longer, which can help to reduce your overall calorie intake. The protein content helps to improve muscle mass and boost metabolism, which can also aid in weight loss. Mung bean sprouts can be added to salads or used as a substitute for higher calorie ingredients in recipes, such as noodles or rice, to help reduce your calorie intake.
How to Store Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp. To store mung bean sprouts, rinse them well and place them in a plastic bag or container. Make sure to remove any excess moisture by patting them dry with a paper towel. Mung bean sprouts will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Mung Bean Sprouts as a Salad Ingredient
Mung bean sprouts are a tasty and healthy addition to salads. They add a crunchy texture and fresh flavor to salads, and are a great source of nutrients, such as vitamin C and folate. To use mung bean sprouts in a salad, rinse them well and add them to your favorite salad ingredients, such as lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Top with your favorite dressing and enjoy!
Mung Bean Sprouts in Asian Cuisine
Mung bean sprouts are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. They are commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and curries, and add a crunchy texture and fresh flavor to these dishes. Mung bean sprouts can also be used as a filling for spring rolls or added to noodle dishes, such as pad thai or chow mein.
Mung Bean Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe
Try this tasty stir-fry recipe using mung bean sprouts: Ingredients: - 1 cup (124.0 g) of cooked mung bean sprouts
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mung Bean Sprouts Soup Recipe
Warm up with this delicious mung bean sprouts soup recipe: Ingredients: - 1 cup (124.0 g) of cooked mung bean sprouts
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mung Bean Sprouts Sandwich Recipe
For a healthy and tasty lunch option, try this mung bean sprout sandwich recipe: Ingredients: - 1 cup (124.0 g) of cooked mung bean sprouts
- 2 slices of whole-wheat bread
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon of honey mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
5 FAQs About Cooked Mung Bean Sprouts
1. How many calories are in 1 cup of cooked mung bean sprouts?
1 cup (124.0 g) of cooked mung bean sprouts contains 24 calories.
2. What are the health benefits of mung bean sprouts?
Mung bean sprouts are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. They may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. How do you cook mung bean sprouts?
Mung bean sprouts can be cooked by boiling, stir-frying, or steaming. They can also be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches.
4. Can mung bean sprouts be frozen?
Yes, mung bean sprouts can be frozen for up to 6 months. It is best to blanch them in boiling water for a minute before freezing to maintain their color and texture.
5. Are there any risks associated with consuming mung bean sprouts?
Raw mung bean sprouts may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella. It is recommended to cook sprouts thoroughly before consuming to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.