If you make stir fry regularly, then bean sprouts is one ingredient that you will always have in your refrigerator. The sad thing about buying bean sprouts is that they tend to come in large packages with a lot more product than what you actually need for your meals. If you live alone or have a small family, then the problem is worsened. If you find yourself in the predicament of having a large supply of bean sprouts and nothing in particular to make with it, then not to worry – there is always an option for preservation. Yes, you can freeze bean sprouts to keep them fresh for a very long time.
Why Freeze Bean Sprouts
Bean sprouts are very popular in Asian cuisine and dishes, they are a good source of nutrients and a great addition to many contemporary meals that we enjoy in the western world. Bean sprouts are a very versatile ingredient and can be added to a variety of soups, salads and stir fries.
Unfortunately for bean sprouts’ lovers, the vegetable is not always available for purchase in local groceries. When it is available, it is packaged in large quantities that make it difficult for you to consume the entire contents before it goes bad. Since bean sprouts don’t last very long in the refrigerator (they become wet and soggy after a few days), this is where freezing comes in handy. Freezing not only lengthens the lifespan of the short lived product, it saves you money while ensuring that you always have this little additive on hand.
How To Freeze Bean Sprouts
Bean sprouts can be very fragile, as such, extra care must be taken to protect them during the freezing process. The steps below provide directions for the process.
Step 1:
Thoroughly wash the bean sprouts under a tap and pat them dry with paper towel.
Step 2:
Place a large pot of water on your stove and allow it to boil.
Prepare a large bowl with iced water while the water is boiling.
Step 3:
When the water on the stove begins to boil, add the bean sprouts to the pot. Allow them to boil for approximately three minutes and then remove them from the boiling water.
Step 4:
Immediately after removing the bean sprouts from the boiling water, plunge them into the bowl of prepared iced water to stop the cooking process.
Step 5:
Remove the bean sprouts from the iced water and lay them on paper towels or dish towels to remove excess water.
Step 6:
Lay the bean sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for a few minutes, until the bean sprouts begin to harden.
Step 7:
Remove the hardened bean sprouts from the freezer and place them into freezer bags in single serving portions. Vacuum seal the freezer bags and place into freezer for preservation.
Thawing Frozen Sprouts
Frozen bean sprouts are to be thawed for a few hours in the refrigerator as needed.
If the beans will be used in hot recipes such as soups and stir fries, then extensive thawing is not necessary and the sprouts can be added frozen if time does not permit for thawing. Thawing frozen bean sprouts at room temperature is also ok.
Frozen bean sprouts stay fresh for a shocking 10 to 12 months after being frozen.
