Simple Stir-Fried Mung Bean Sprouts

Why people make this dish

Organic mung bean sprouts are affordable, taste great, and keep fresh in the fridge for a couple of days. Traditionally, mung bean sprouts are seen as clearing heat-toxin and easing the passage of fluids, which is why this plain little dish is a go-to when there’s “bladder damp-heat” — frequent, scanty or uncomfortable urination. They’re available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People who feel the signs traditionally described as bladder damp-heat: frequent, scanty, or stinging urination.
• Bean sprouts are cooling in nature, so those with a cold or weak stomach should go easy. If urination is genuinely painful or you see other infection signs, please see a doctor.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Mung bean sprouts (lü dou ya): Traditionally used to clear heat-toxin and support the smooth passage of fluids.
• Spring onion (cong): Adds an aromatic warmth that’s traditionally said to help disperse dampness and support the stomach, balancing the sprouts’ cool nature.

Ingredients (2 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Mung bean sprouts	~300 g	No need to trim the tails
Spring onion	2 stalks	Washed, shredded
Oil and seasoning	a little

Method

1. Wash the mung bean sprouts (no need to trim the tails). Wash the spring onion and cut into shreds.
2. Heat a little oil, add the sprouts and stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add seasoning and the shredded spring onion, toss a few times, and plate up.

Bro Niu’s tips

Cooking the sprouts with spring onion adds an aromatic note that’s traditionally thought to help clear dampness and support the stomach. Using organic sprouts makes this dish especially crisp and tasty.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Ivyso2688): Besides this stir-fried mung bean sprout dish, is there another soup or food therapy for bladder damp-heat? Bro Niu: You can simmer raw coix (sheng yi mi) and adzuki beans, about 37.5 g each, with a bundle of fresh white-grass root (mao gen) and ~37.5 g of winter-melon peel in a lean-pork soup; take three servings to help clear heat and dampness.
• Q (Amy): If I can’t find fresh white-grass root, what can I use instead? Bro Niu: Chinese-medicine shops sell dried white-grass root — use about 18.75 g.
• Q (NANA): Can people with gout eat soybean sprouts? Bro Niu: Soybean sprouts are still a high-purine food, so people with gout are better off eating little of them.

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Published January 27, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.