This quick pea-sprout side dish comes together in minutes. Tender pea sprouts are briefly sautéed with garlic, then finished with a splash of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a light, nutty flavor.
I originally planned to share this in spring, but I couldn’t wait. The freshness of pea sprouts felt perfect to me, so here it is now, even though it’s autumn — and it’s worth sharing anytime you can find them.
Recently I had lunch with friends at a Korean restaurant. The variety of banchan — those many colorful side dishes — is always a highlight. One simple plate stood out: sautéed pea sprouts. The delicate crunch and the subtle sesame seasoning were irresistible; I had at least two servings.
Pea Sprouts
Pea sprouts are often enjoyed raw in salads, but raw greens can be monotonous if that’s all you serve. A quick sauté brightens their flavor and softens their texture just enough while keeping them fresh and vibrant.
All you need is a little neutral oil for sautéing, a touch of garlic, and the finishing trio of sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.
How to make sautéed pea sprouts
Trim about an inch from the bottoms of the sprouts to remove any tough or discolored ends. This small step helps keep the texture consistent and the dish tidy.
Warm two teaspoons of a neutral oil (grapeseed or canola) in a skillet over medium heat and add one clove of finely minced garlic. Stir for about 10 seconds to release the garlic aroma without browning it.
Add the pea sprouts and sauté just until they begin to wilt, about 30 to 60 seconds depending on the pan and heat. Season with a couple pinches of kosher salt while tossing so the leaves soften evenly.
Remove the pan from the heat, drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil over the sprouts, and scatter one teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately or at room temperature.
This simple preparation highlights the fresh, slightly sweet flavor of pea sprouts while adding a satisfying, nutty finish. If you find pea sprouts at the market, give this a try — it’s an effortless side that complements many meals.
Autumn arrived before I expected, and time seems to fly — but small, fresh dishes like this are a good reminder to savor the season.
Hope your season is off to a beautiful start. Enjoy!
Love,
Quick Sauteed Pea Sprouts
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Ingredients
- 1 package pea sprouts
- 2 teaspoon grape seed or canola oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- couple of pinches kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for 10 seconds. Add the sprouts and sauté until they just wilt, about 30–60 seconds.
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Season with a couple of pinches of salt, toss, and remove from heat. Add sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, toss to coat, and serve hot or at room temperature.