Mung beans are a small but mighty ingredient that can transform any dish into a feast. Their versatility and delightful flavor have been celebrated by cultures around the world, and now it’s time to discover the treasures they hold.
Spicy Mung Bean Soup

Healthy and Nourishing Mung Bean Soup (Vegan) from Hey Nutrition Lady
Rating: 4.4. Total Time: 40 min.
This soup is a cozy bowl of warmth with a hint of spice that dances on your tongue. The base is a savory broth enriched with ginger, garlic, and chili, which pairs perfectly with the tender mung beans.
What makes this soup special is its balance of flavors and the way it can be customized. Add a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick or toss in some fresh spinach for a pop of green. It’s popular in many Asian cultures for its comforting nature and ability to nourish both the body and soul.
Mung Bean and Coconut Curry
Imagine a creamy curry infused with the rich taste of coconut milk, aromatic spices, and the earthiness of mung beans. This dish is a fragrant symphony that fills your kitchen with the scents of turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
The magic of this curry lies in its fusion of flavors. It’s a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, where it’s often enjoyed with rice or naan. The creamy texture combined with the slight bite of the mung beans creates a satisfying meal that’s both exotic and comforting.
Don’t forget the fresh cilantro sprinkled on top for a burst of color and flavor. It’s an easy way to impress your family or guests with something a little out of the ordinary, yet incredibly delicious.
Mung Bean Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Green Bean Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette from The Windy City Dinner Fairy
Rating: 5. Total Time: 10 min.
Fresh, vibrant, and full of texture, this mung bean salad is a celebration of healthy ingredients. With crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing dish perfect for a sunny day.
This salad stands out because it’s not just about the mung beans; it’s about the harmony of all the components. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a light yet satisfying meal, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a handful of olives can elevate it even further, making each bite a burst of Mediterranean delight.
Mung Bean Pancakes

Vegan Savory Pancakes (Mung Bean Scallion Pancakes) from Vegan Blueberry
Rating: 5. Total Time: 30 min.

Vegan Bindaetteok: Korean Mung Bean Pancakes from The Korean Vegan
Rating: 5. Total Time: 4 hr 14 min.
These savory pancakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of delightful surprises. Made with a batter of ground mung beans, they’re flavored with scallions, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil.
Popular in Korean cuisine, these pancakes are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. What makes them truly special is their versatility; you can add kimchi, shrimp, or even vegetables like zucchini to personalize each pancake. Serve them with a soy dipping sauce to enhance the savory flavor.
Sweet Mung Bean Pudding

Vietnamese Mung Bean Dessert (Che Dau Xanh) from Onolicious Hawaiʻi
Rating: 4.5. Total Time: 1 h 15 min.
This creamy pudding is a sweet treat that combines mung beans with coconut milk and palm sugar, resulting in a dessert that’s both luscious and satisfying. It’s a popular dessert in many Southeast Asian countries.
The pudding’s charm lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors meld together to create something truly delightful. It’s rich yet not overly sweet, making it a perfect ending to any meal. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or fresh mango slices for an extra layer of flavor.
Mung Bean Stir-Fry
Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this stir-fry is a go-to for busy weeknights. With colorful bell peppers, crunchy carrots, and mung beans all tossed in a savory soy sauce, it’s a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
The beauty of this stir-fry is its adaptability. You can switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, and the mung beans add a pleasing texture that complements the crisp vegetables. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Mung Bean and Avocado Wraps
These wraps are a fresh take on a classic favorite, combining creamy avocado with the wholesome goodness of mung beans. Add some crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime juice, and you’ve got a delicious, portable meal.
Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, these wraps are popular for their convenience and delightful taste. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite exciting, and they’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Try adding some grilled chicken or a sprinkle of cheese for extra protein.
Pro Tricks for Amazing Mung Bean Dishes

How to Cook Mung Beans (Instant Pot or Stovetop) from Cooking With Camilla
Rating: 5. Total Time: 15 min.
Soaking Mung Beans for Better Texture
Soaking mung beans overnight can help them cook faster and achieve a softer texture. This step is especially important for dishes like soups and curries, where you want the beans to blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
Balancing Flavors with Acidity
Adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon can brighten up your mung bean dishes. Acidity helps to balance the flavors, especially in richer recipes like curries and puddings, making them more refreshing and enjoyable.
Experimenting with Spices
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices when cooking with mung beans. They pair well with a variety of flavors, from the warmth of cumin and coriander to the heat of chili and ginger. Trying new combinations can lead to exciting new dishes!