Mung bean sprouts, called togue in Filipino, are the young shoots that grow from mung beans. They're crisp, mild in flavor, and commonly used in many Asian dishes.
In Filipino cooking, togue is often added to stir-fries, soups, and spring rolls. It's a key ingredient in dishes like lumpiang togue, ginisang togue, and ukoy.
In this guide, you'll learn what mung bean sprouts are, what they taste like, how to prepare them, and how they're used in Filipino cooking.
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What are Mung Bean Sprouts?
Mung bean sprouts are the small shoots that grow when mung beans start to sprout.
The beans are soaked in water and allowed to germinate for a few days. As they grow, they develop white crunchy stems with small yellow leaves on top.
These sprouts are commonly sold fresh in the produce section of many grocery stores.
They're widely used in Asian cooking because they cook quickly and add a light crunch to dishes.
In the Philippines, mung bean sprouts are called togue and are often used in stir-fries, spring rolls, and fritters.
What Do Mung Bean Sprouts Taste Like?
Mung bean sprouts have a mild, fresh taste and a crisp texture.
They don't have a strong flavor on their own, which is why they work well in many dishes. They mostly add crunch and texture rather than a bold taste.
When cooked, they soften slightly but still keep a bit of their crunch.
Can You Eat Mung Bean Sprouts Raw?
Yes, mung bean sprouts can be eaten raw. They're sometimes added to salads, spring rolls, or used as a topping.
However, bean sprouts are often cooked before eating. Cooking helps reduce the risk of bacteria that can grow during the sprouting process.
In many Filipino dishes, togue is quickly stir-fried or added to soups, which keeps some of its crunch while making it safer to eat.
Mung Bean Sprouts vs Soybean Sprouts
Not all bean sprouts are the same. The two most common types are mung bean sprouts and soybean sprouts.
Mung bean sprouts
- Come from mung beans
- Thin white stems with small yellow leaves
- Mild taste and crisp texture
- Common in many Asian dishes, including Filipino recipes like lumpiang togue and ginisang togue
Soybean sprouts
- Come from soybeans
- Thicker stems with larger yellow heads
- Slightly stronger, nuttier flavor
- Often used in Korean dishes like bibimbap and soups
How to Buy Mung Bean Sprouts
You can usually find mung bean sprouts in the produce section of most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Look for sprouts that are white, firm, and crisp. The small leaves should be pale yellow, and the sprouts should smell fresh.
Avoid sprouts that look slimy, wilted, or dark, or that have a strong smell. These are signs that they are no longer fresh.
Since bean sprouts spoil quickly, it's best to buy them close to when you plan to use them.
You can also grow mung bean sprouts at home. Simply soak mung beans and let them sprout in a jar or container for a few days. They grow quickly and are ready to use in about 2 to 3 days.
How to Store Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts are best used soon after buying because they spoil quickly.
Store them in the refrigerator in a container or plastic bag lined with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
For the best quality, try to use them within a few days.
Before cooking, rinse the sprouts under cold water and remove any wilted or dark pieces.
How to Prepare Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts are easy to prepare.
First, rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt.
If you like, you can trim the thin roots at the ends, but this step is optional.
Bean sprouts cook very quickly. They are usually stir-fried, blanched, or added to soups near the end of cooking so they stay slightly crisp.
Mung Bean Sprouts in Filipino Cooking
Mung bean sprouts, or togue, are used in many Filipino dishes. They add a light crunch and cook very quickly.
Here are some common dishes that use mung bean sprouts:
- Lumpiang togue: Fried spring rolls filled with mung bean sprouts and vegetables.
- Ginisang togue: A stir-fry with bean sprouts, vegetables, and sometimes tofu, shrimp, or pork.
- Ukoy: Crispy fritters made with bean sprouts and shrimp, usually served with a vinegar dipping sauce.
- Lumpiang sariwa: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables, including bean sprouts, wrapped in a soft crepe and topped with a savory peanut sauce.
More Filipino Food Guide
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Linda says
Your ukoy with bean sprouts looks really delicious.
Nora Rey says
Thank you so much! I hope you get a chance to try it out and enjoy it as much as I do! 😊🍤