beansprouts

Crunchy stir-fry addition

Beansprouts are the young shoots of germinated beans, typically mung beans or soybeans, eaten as a vegetable.

They're crisp, pale, and slightly nutty, common in Asian cooking—stir-fries, salads, and as a topping for pho or pad thai: Add the beansprouts at the last minute so they stay crunchy.

Also spelled as two words: bean sprouts.

cultivation

germination

Seed's initial growth phase

hydroponicsPlant cultivation in nutrient water
soybeanProtein-rich Asian legume
seedlingRecently sprouted young plant

shoots · greenhouse · growing · jar · moisture · rinsing · soaking · harvest · organic · homegrown

Asian

stir-fry

Quick-cook in hot oil

phoInformal fake spelling
ramenJapanese noodle soup
bibimbapKorean mixed rice dish

pad thai · spring rolls · wok · tofu · soy sauce · sesame oil · bok choy · noodles · kimchi · miso

nutrition

vitamins

Essential organic nutrients

fiberPlant-based digestive aid
proteinFolded amino chain
low-calorieMinimal food energy content

minerals · antioxidants · folate · iron · vitamin C · dietary · raw · fresh · wholesome · plant-based

texture

crunchy

Breaking with sound

crispFirm and breakable
snappyQuick and clever
freshnessState of being unspoiled

crunch · snap · firm · juicy · succulent · watery · delicate · light · stringy · fibrous

salad

raw

In original state

garnishDecorative food topping
toppingsAdded ingredients on food
freshNewly made, not stale

cold · vinaigrette · cucumber · carrot · cabbage · slaw · crunch · composed · summer rolls

Opposites

plant maturity/growth stage

beansproutsmature plant

Fully developed vegetation

dried beans · bean plants · seed pods · legumes · seeds

Family

beansprout

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G