🌱Tips for Keeping Soybean Sprouts Fresh for Up to 10 Days

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Wave goodbye to soggy, slimy sprouts and say hello to fresh, crisp banchan anytime!

Soybean sprouts (kongnamul) are a beloved staple in Korean cuisine, finding their way into soups, side dishes, stews—you name it. However, they spoil very quickly, even when freshly purchased. I used to make frequent, unnecessary trips to the Korean grocery store just to buy more sprouts! 😅

This storage method was a complete game-changer for me.

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How to Store Soybean Sprouts Longer

1. Completely submerge the sprouts in water. Select a container that accommodates the quantity of sprouts you have. I had a large amount, so I used two big zip-top bags, filled them with water, and placed each bag in a deep bowl to prevent leaks and ensure stability in the fridge.

2. Change the water once midway through. This straightforward step keeps them even fresher and crisper!

3. Store them in the refrigerator. The water helps prevent oxidation and slows spoilage, maintaining their nice, crunchy texture.

📍 Bonus tip: If storing a large batch, zip-top bags are effective—but always place them in a deep container underneath to catch any potential leaks.

🧐 Can you use this method for other sprouts?

Definitely! Mung bean sprouts (숙주) can be handled in the same way. They are more fragile compared to soybean sprouts, so they might not stay fresh as long—but you can still enjoy up to 7 days of freshness!

Simply soak them in water, keep them refrigerated, and replace the water once in the middle of the week. They remain crisp and delicious.

❄️ Can you freeze soybean sprouts?

I know what you're thinking—wait, freeze them?! 😳Yes! It’s completely possible, with a few considerations:

• It’s not ideal for side dishes, as the texture changes.

• However, it works wonderfully for soups and stews! Once thawed and simmered, they taste just like they were freshly cooked.

I've been preparing packs for dried pollack soup (bukgeo-guk) this way, with soybean sprouts already included. So convenient!

💬 Have you tried storing or freezing soybean sprouts before?

I’d love to hear how it worked for you—leave a comment below and let’s share ideas!