How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts at Home

Mung bean sprouts are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that you can easily make at home using just a few simple materials. They can be prepared in several ways and incorporated into many dishes such as stir-fries, soups, salads, or eaten fresh. When consumed regularly, mung bean sprouts provide the body with valuable nutrients, improve digestion, and support overall health.

One of the biggest advantages of homemade mung bean sprouts is that they require only mung beans and water—no additives or preservatives. Sprouting at home ensures cleanliness, safety, and a much lower cost compared to store-bought sprouts.

How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts at Home (Traditional Method)

Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Beans

Begin by selecting a suitable amount of mung beans. Rinse them gently and remove any damaged or worm-eaten beans. Avoid rubbing the beans too hard to prevent the green outer skin from peeling off.

Soak the beans in warm water (a mix of 3 parts cool water and 2 parts boiling water) for about one hour, or soak them in cool water overnight. This allows the beans to absorb water and expand fully, which is essential for successful sprouting.

Step 2: Set Up the Sprouting Basket

Line a clean basket with a piece of cloth. The cloth should be damp but not dripping wet. Spread the soaked beans evenly on top. Do not overcrowd the basket—sprouts need space to grow thick and healthy. If you have a large quantity of beans, divide them into several containers.

Cover the beans with another damp cloth. Use a spray bottle to mist a small amount of water over the surface to maintain moisture. Place a tray or bowl underneath the basket to catch excess water.

Step 3: Cover and Store Properly

Cover the basket tightly with a pot lid or a black plastic bag to block out light. Keep the sprouting basket in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the beans and make the sprouts turn green and bitter.

Step 4: Water Daily

Water the beans twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. Use just enough water to moisten them without causing water to pool at the bottom, as excessive moisture can spoil the sprouts.

Step 5: Harvest

After about 4 days, the mung beans will have grown into long, white sprouts with crunchy texture. At this point, they are ready to be harvested and enjoyed in your favorite dishes. If you prefer thicker sprouts, you can extend the sprouting time by one additional day.

Making Bean Sprouts Using a Plastic Bottle

You can also use an empty, clean plastic water bottle to sprout mung beans—an ideal method for small kitchens or limited space.

Step 1: Soak the Beans

As with the traditional method, soak the beans in warm water for about an hour or overnight in cool water.

Step 2: Prepare the Bottle

Use a knife or scissors to poke several small air holes around the body of the bottle. These holes help with airflow and drainage, ensuring the beans sprout properly.

Step 3: Add Beans to the Bottle

Pour the soaked beans into the bottle. Lay the bottle on its side so the beans spread out evenly instead of crowding at the bottom.

Step 4: Rinse Daily

Each day, immerse the bottle in a basin of water for about one minute. Then lift it out and drain the water through the holes. Return the bottle to a cool, dark place. Consistent rinsing helps the beans stay moist without becoming soggy.

Step 5: Harvest

After 3–4 days, the sprouts will be fully grown. You can cut the plastic bottle open using scissors to remove the sprouts easily.

This method is simple, hygienic, and perfect for households wanting to reduce waste by reusing plastic bottles.

Making Bean Sprouts Using a Milk Carton

If you have an empty milk carton, you can also repurpose it as a sprouting container.

Step 1: Prepare the Carton

Rinse the inside thoroughly to remove any milk residue. Use scissors to cut small drainage holes near the top of the carton.

Step 2: Add the Soaked Beans

Place the pre-soaked mung beans into the carton.

Step 3: Daily Rinsing

Submerge the carton in a basin of water for about five minutes each day. After soaking, drain the water completely through the small holes.

Step 4: Store and Harvest

Keep the milk carton in a cool, dark place. After 3–4 days, the carton will appear swollen, indicating that the sprouts have grown. Cut open the carton and remove the fresh, crunchy sprouts.

This method is convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly.