No Sprouts? 7 Interesting Substitute For Bean Sprouts

Sprouts generally are a type of vegetable that is obtained from a plant’s seed, which is best consumed either raw or cooked. Though there are times when it can be fancy used in raw salads or as a garnish on other dishes, obviously because of the crispy textures they come with.

Moving on, sprouts are also known to be a source of vitamins and minerals, which include those of vitamins C, K, and folate. Additionally, they also come with a huge amount of protein and fiber and can be purchased fresh, frozen, or canned.

However, in this very article, our focus and concentration would be on the bean sprouts commonly used in various Asian cuisines and are known for that crunchy texture and slightly nutty flavor, mostly needed as a topping or ingredient in salads, soups, and stir-fries.

However, on days when you just can’t seem to find them to address your needs and desires, there should be some other available substitutes you should be able to rely on; below have been highlighted 7 such substitutes.

7 Interesting Substitute For Bean Sprouts

1. Alfalfa sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts as a substitute for bean sprouts, a nutrient-rich choice of a substitute that is known for its rich amount of vitamins A, C, and K; indeed, greens pack a big nutritional punch.

Additionally, once you also put Into consideration the fact that it is a good source of folic acid and iron, alongside being low in calories and fat-free, makes it a healthier choice of a substitute as well.

Finally, they are also known for their crisp texture and mildly nutty and slightly sweet flavor, which makes them a better fit of a substitute inside salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

2. Sunflower sprouts

Sunflower sprouts, which, just as their name insinuates, are sourced from sunflower seeds, a substitute for bean sprouts in certain selected recipes because of the similarities they both share in their texture and flavor.

Talking about these certain selected recipes, sunflower sprouts do have a big presence and importance when applied and put into use inside stir- fry dish, soups, and salads, blessing them with its vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron and calcium nutritional properties.

Generally, the sunflower sprouts would always remain a healthy and nutritional choice of a substitute for the bean sprouts, and can also be a delicious addition to any meal.

Read also, Enjoy The Taste: 12 Best Substitute For Asparagus

3. Enoki mushrooms

Most times, the reasons behind most persons going in search of an available substitute for bean sprouts aren’t necessarily because the bean sprouts are unavailable for them to use; most times, it is just them wanting and craving something different.

So if you happen to be one of those few individuals who crave something just like the bean sprouts but with a different flavor profile, well, you can always rely on the enoki mushrooms, an edible mushroom Known for its long, thin appearance and a delicate flavor.

They are commonly found in Asian cuisine, particularly soups,and stir-fry dishes, offering the same crunchiness as the beans sprouts while also making them even more flavorsome.

4. Snow peas

Snow peas, as a substitute for bean sprouts, are a type of pea that is harvested and used in its unripe state, as it is only at such point time you can find its pod to be still tender and best for use.

Snow peas are Chinese vegetables that have their roots traceable to China and are known for their delicate flavor when used inside stir-fry dishes, soups, and salads.

Health-wise, snow peas remain a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, though they are also rich in fiber, iron, and potassium, as well as containing more vitamins and minerals.

5. Mung beans

If there is anything, mung beans are considered an ideal substitute for bean sprouts, particularly by individuals from rural areas. It is because they are a budget and pocket-friendly choice of a substitute to stick with that is cheaper and easier to find while still maintaining a similar nutritional profile to the bean sprouts.

It is not tagged cheaper because it is lesser in quality, but rather because it is widely available and can be easily found anywhere, unlike the bean sprouts, of which the reverse is the case.

Just as aforementioned, in terms of its nutritional profile, it does share similarities with the mung beans, meaning both of them alike are high in protein and low in calories, accompanied by a good amount of fiber.

Read also, 12 Best Substitute For Cabbage

6. Green cabbage

On days where you get to encounter unavailability with the mung beans, the green cabbage remains a nice choice and option as a substitute. You can always try out a healthy vegetable that is known to be high in fiber and low in calories.

Popular as well for its mild flavor, which blends quite well with a variety of other ingredients and still keeps its shape intact when cooked, with green cabbage, you are not only enjoying its delicious taste but its nutritional benefits as well as being a good source of vitamins C and K.

To get the very best results from sticking with this very option of a substitute for mung beans, all that is expected of you to do is to chop the cabbage into thin and desirable shapes before proceeding to strips and sauté or stir-fry dishes as the case would have ordinarily been with beans sprouts.

7. Bamboo shoots

Popular for the similar taste and texture they both share with the bean sprouts, bamboo shoots slot in easily as one of the ideal substitute for bean sprouts, evidently because of the fact they both belong to the legume family.

Additionally, reasons to back up such claims of the bamboo shoots being an ideal substitute for the bean sprouts is that they are a great match texture-wise while also sharing similar taste as well, making it possible for them to be easily incorporated inside any dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the delicious taste and health benefits that come with the consumption of bean sprouts are quite extraordinary, but they can always be replaced with something similar, perhaps even better. Highlighted above are 7 suitable substitutes you can always try out.