Cold bean sprout appetizer with garlic

Cold bean sprout appetizer with garlic recipe videos

This is a refreshing, crisp Chinese cold appetizer made from blanched bean sprouts, typically seasoned with minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. It's a staple side dish (liang cai) found in homes and restaurants across China, especially popular during warmer months. The dish highlights the sprouts' natural crunch and clean flavor.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is very low in calories, fat, and protein, making it a light, hydrating choice. It's a good source of vitamin C and provides some fiber, with the main nutrient contribution coming from the bean sprouts themselves and the small amount of oil used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbs	5.5 g
Fat	1.8 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	2.5 g
Sodium	380 mg
Vitamin C	12 mg
Vitamin K	15 µg
Folate	40 µg
Potassium	180 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg
Iron	0.8 mg

Per 1 cup (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a perfect example of the Chinese culinary principle of balancing textures and temperatures in a meal. Nutritionally, the quick blanching method helps preserve the sprouts' vitamin C content, which is often lost in longer cooking processes.