What to do with leftover beansprouts

delicious. team

Written by the expert and completely food-obsessed team behind this website, our social channels and our monthly magazine.

Find more

Beansprouts don’t usually last too long once the packet has been opened. But, these crunchy, white sprouts add a new texture and flavour to many meals, not just stir fries.

So, give that leftover handful of beansprouts a new lease of life with these recipes and ideas.

Recipes using beansprouts

How to use up leftover beansprouts

Crunchy garnish
Top Asian soups or salads with a scattering of washed beansprouts, or add to stir-fries for the last minute of cooking.
Quick pickle
Dissolve equal parts rice vinegar and sugar in a pan over a low heat with a splash of water. Finely slice beansprouts, carrots and deseeded cucumbers, put in a bowl, then pour over the vinegar mix. Leave to cool, then store in jars in the fridge for up to three days.
Lettuce wraps
Stir-fry minced chicken or pork with fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce and chilli. Spoon onto iceberg lettuce leaves, then top with sliced carrot and spring onions, beansprouts and chopped peanuts. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over.