Crispy Fried Mung Beans: An Addictive Snack Easy to Make at Home

Have you ever tried crispy fried mung beans – a familiar snack that always brings excitement every time you enjoy it? With its delicious flavor, distinctive crunch, and simple preparation, crispy fried mung beans are not only a favorite among children but also win over even the pickiest adults. Let’s explore the perfect recipe to make this snack at home!

Why Are Crispy Fried Mung Beans So Popular?

Crispy fried mung beans are not a new dish, but their appeal lies in the perfect combination of traditional flavor, distinctive crunch, and versatile variations. This is the ideal snack for gatherings with friends or simply as an appetizing light meal.

• Familiar taste: Mung beans have long been a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. The natural nutty flavor of mung beans evokes memories of home-cooked meals.
• Crunch that stimulates taste buds: Biting into each crispy bean, the satisfying “crunch” sound will make you unable to stop.
• Easy to vary: From the basic recipe, you can get creative with versions like garlic and chili fried mung beans, sesame fried mung beans, or even cheese-coated mung beans.

Not only delicious, crispy fried mung beans also easily pair with other dishes like iced tea, soda, or as a topping for spring rolls.

Secrets to Perfectly Crispy Fried Mung Beans

To make the ultimate crispy fried mung beans, you need to master some secrets:

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Peeled mung beans: Choose small, bright green beans, free from pests. This type of bean usually has a nuttier flavor and will be crunchier when fried.
• Frying batter: Use a specialized batter to enhance crunchiness. If unavailable, you can substitute with tapioca starch or rice flour, but the results will be less effective.

Soaking the Beans Correctly

Soak the beans in clean water for 4-6 hours or overnight. During soaking, change the water 2-3 times to ensure the beans remain clean and do not sour.

Seasoning to Taste

The basic seasoning recipe includes salt, sugar, pepper, and chili powder. You can also add minced garlic or fried shallots to enhance the flavor. Adjust the seasoning according to your family’s taste.

The “Divine” Technique for Frying Crunchy Beans

Frying the beans twice is a crucial secret:

1. First fry: Fry over medium heat to cook the beans evenly inside.
2. Second fry: Fry over high heat to make the beans golden and crispy, and to make them puff up beautifully.

After frying, let the beans drain completely on paper towels or a wire rack.

Crispy Fried Mung Beans

Detailed Steps to Make Crispy Fried Mung Beans

Step 1: Preparing the Mung Beans

• Rinse the mung beans under running water.
• Soak the beans in clean water for 4-6 hours or overnight. Change the water 2-3 times during soaking.
• Rinse the beans again and let them drain completely.

Step 2: Seasoning the Beans

• Mix the mung beans thoroughly with the frying batter and prepared seasonings.
• Let the beans rest for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Frying the Beans

• Heat the cooking oil in a pan.
• Fry the beans for the first time over medium heat until they are slightly golden. Remove and let them drain.
• Fry the beans for the second time over high heat until they are golden and crispy, and puffed up. Remove and let them cool.

Step 4: Finishing and Enjoying

• Arrange the crispy fried mung beans on a plate, garnish with some cilantro or sliced chili.
• Enjoy immediately while hot or let them cool completely to maintain crunchiness.

Finished Crispy Fried Mung Beans

Unique Flavor Variations

If you want to experiment, you can vary the crispy fried mung beans with new flavors:

• Spicy kick: Add chili powder, hot sauce, or sambal to the seasoning mix.
• Sweet delight: Coat the beans with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon before frying.
• Cheese coating: Sprinkle cheese powder over the beans after frying for a rich, creamy flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Crispy Fried Mung Beans

Despite being fried in oil, mung beans remain a source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. However, you should eat them in moderation to balance nutrition and avoid excess calorie intake.

Conclusion

Crispy fried mung beans are an easy-to-make, delicious snack suitable for all ages. With the secrets shared in this article, you can confidently head to the kitchen and create this “addictive” snack for your family. Try it out and share your results with us!

Wishing you success and enjoyable cooking experiences!