25 Wholesome Mung Bean Recipes

Mung beans are small, green legumes that are popular all over the world! They’re also called green gram or mung dal and have been a staple in Asian cuisines, especially in Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cooking, for thousands of years. They’re known for their mild and slightly sweet flavor which makes them popular in sweet and savory dishes alike. If you like to eat tasty legumes this list of 25 Mung Bean Recipes is sure to inspire you to get cooking ASAP! 

You can get mung beans in different forms for cooking. For example, whole mung beans are raw and unprocessed. Split (aka Mung Dal) has had the green skin removed and split into two halves. They cook faster this way and are utilized in many of the mung bean recipes featured on this list!

Another reason to eat mung beans is because they’re so super nutritious! Some of our favorites on this list include: Ginisang Munggo (Filipino Mung Bean Soup), Bindaetteok, and MB Glass Noodles. But who are we to pick and choose? You be the judge! 

1. Korean Mung Bean Pancakes 

Korean Mung Bean Pancakes are gluten free and sure to be your new favorite thing. The combo of mung beans and brown rice flour is so delicious you won’t believe you didn’t try it before. They have crispy edges and a chewy center that melts in your mouth. If you have the privilege of having a Korean Market nearby you should definitely drop by. Grab some fresh baby king oyster mushrooms and buchu (chives)! Other ingredients you might want to consider buying are leeks, cabbage, and scallions! 

2. Mung Bean Oatmeal Protein Pancakes 

Mung bean recipes like these oatmeal protein pancakes are a great idea for healthy breakfasts. If you’re dieting then they can be particularly helpful because they help you feel full longer. That’s because they are rich in fiber and nutritious protein. You will use split mung beans for the pancakes, which is a potent plant based protein. So if you need a vegan protein option for breakfast give this one a try. In fact mung beans are naturally packed with nutrients like phosphorus, manganese, and molybdenum. 

3. M.B. Falafel 

Mung Bean Falafels are an enticing twist on traditional falafels. They are small bites of curry heaven with sesame seeds and mung bean dough. Each nibble will have you falling more and more in love. It tastes great when served with some toasty flatbread or stir fry vegetables. The recipe takes under 2 hours and is packed with delicious flavor. The tiny green mung beans are a wonderful alternative to chickpeas for making falafel. They are commonly used in many different regions such as Indonesia, China, India, The Philippines, and more. 

4. Ginisang Munggo (Filipino M. Bean Soup)

Mung Bean Recipes like Ginisang Munggo, or Filipino Mung Bean Soup, explode with flavor in your mouth. It is rich and cozy with tomatoes, ginger, and so much fresh garlic! This tasty budget friendly meal is good with rice, bread, and so much more. Ginsang munggo translates roughly to ‘stir-fried legumes’ in Tagalog. It is essentially the ‘stir-fried legumes- yum! With aromatics like ginger, garlic, white or yellow onion, tomatoes, and jalapeño – what’s not to love? 

5. M.B Cakes (Gluten-Free, Vegan, 3 Ingredients)

These Chinese mung bean cakes (绿豆糕) only need 3 easy ingredients plus they’re vegan and gluten-free. These adorable little cakes can be made without a cake mold too. In Chinese culture this style of mung bean cake is traditionally eaten at the Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival happens in early summer which is why these cakes are associated with summer cakes. You will need dried and peeled mung beans, granulated sugar, and corn oil. 

6. M.B And Coconut Curry

Mung Bean Recipes with Coconut Curry will have you jumping for joy. This nutritious plant based curry is loaded with Indian flavors that everyone loves. It is super simple and can be cooked in an Instant Pot or on the stove. Is Moong Dal the same thing as mung beans? Yes and no. A mung bean is a bean that’s still intact while Moong Dal is the name used for the split bean that has had the husk removed. 

7. Mung Bean Cakes (綠豆糕)

Mung Bean Cakes (綠豆糕) are a lovely treat that are not too sweet featuring a filling made of red bean paste. They taste great chilled or at room temperature. Pro tip: rinse the mung beans 2-3 times with fresh water each time. Each rinse slowly washes away some of the yellow color. Then soak the beans by putting them in a bowl with enough water that it covers 2 inches above the mung beans. For optimal results soak them overnight. 

8. Mung Bean Hummus

Do you like traditional chickpea hummus? If so then try Mung Bean Hummus! It is a fantastic bean dip that’s super nutrient dense. For best results use quick cooking mung beans because they blend up as smooth as silk. Combined with lime juice, garlic, and tahini – it’s absolutely heavenly. You will need about 2 cups of cooked beans and a pinch of salt as well. As for equipment it’s best to use a food processor if you have one or a good quality- high powered blender. 

9. Irresistible Mung Daal Recipe (Moong Dal) 

Irresistible Mung Daal Recipe (Moong Dal) is ready in 40 minutes and is a gluten free + vegan meal that everyone adores. This Indian meal is mouthwatering, cozy, and nutritious! Indian food is amazing isn’t it? From curry & tandoori to chutneys, pakora, & more- I just love all things Indian cuisine. This meal has a creamy, hearty texture that is sort of porridge-like. The best part is the Indian spices, like turmeric, cardamom, and other fresh herbs. 

10. Mung Bean Pancakes 

Mung Bean Pancakes are the Korean snack or breakfast you have to try. This vegan + gluten free recipe makes four servings! You will need 180 g mung dal, 300 ml water, sea salt and black pepper. Key liquids include: 80 ml tamari soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 3 tbsp rice syrup. You also need 1 big red chili peppers, 20 g ginger, 2-3 carrots, 1-2 onions, and 1 bunch of scallions! For this recipe you should soak the beans for 3-4 hours or as long as overnight.

11. Indian Mung Bean Salad (Moong Bean Sprout Salad) V+GF

This Indian Mung Bean Salad or Moong Sprouts Salad will knock your socks off! What vibrant fresh ingredients do you need? Start with Moong Bean or Mung Beans, Onion (any color), Roasted Peanuts (any flavor) and Pomegranate Arils! You can peel your own pomegranate at home or buy the arils pre-peeled. You will also need lemon or lime for the acidic touch. Fresh Cilantro + mint – you can use either or both! For the spices use: salt, red chili powder, turmeric, and amchur! 

12. Vietnamese Baked Mung Bean Cake

Vietnamese Mung Bean Recipes are definitely worth a try! Like these popular little cakes. Mung beans are a prominent ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. And these baked cakes are no exception. This recipe is simple, light, filling and delicious! Vietnamese Baked Mung Bean Cake Recipe is modified from the Vietnamese cookbook “Bánh Tổng Hợp” by Trần Toàn Trí, 2014). Key ingredients include: 1 ¼ cup (250 g) dried split mung beans, 1-13.5 oz can (400 ml) coconut milk, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) condensed milk.

13. Stir fry Mung Bean (Glass) Noodles With Pork Belly and Veggies  

Stir fry Mung Bean (Glass) Noodles With Pork Belly and Veggies is the best recipe ever. The ingredients are so fresh and vibrant, for example you need 2 bunches of mung bean noodles and 4 oz pork belly. You can buy packages of pre-made mung bean noodles at the market. If you have an Asian cuisine section or market that’s even better! You also need 1 small shallot, 2 cloves garlic, 1 scallion, 1 medium carrot, and 1 rib celery. It’s ready in a flash and sure to please the whole family! 

14. Vegetable Stir Fry Mung Bean Noodles

Try vegetable stir fry mung bean noodles for a scrumptious noodles dish! It’s ready in 30 minutes and has a rainbow of vegetables that you can scarf down with chopsticks or a fork! Are you good with chopsticks? I must admit, at this point in my life, I am quite good at chopsticks! It all started with my love of sushi – I decided to give it a try. After practice and some friendly tips, I finally got the hang of it. Sure you can eat this dish with a fork and spoon, but it’s just not the same! Mung bean noodles are gluten free and made with potato startch. 

15. Just Egg Scramble Recipe 

Looking for mung bean recipes to make some nutritious vegan “scrambled eggs” without having to use tofu? This cost effective and easy dish is made with 8 easy ingredients. It’s so easy it’s ready in a flash and tastes silky and delicious. Just soak the beans overnight in water and blend them with some herbs and spices. Other key ingredients include: unsweetened vegan milk, aquafaba, oil, and nutritional yeast. Spices needed include: garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, black salt, and baking powder. 

16. Bindaetteok (빈대떡) – Mung Bean Pancake 

What is Bindaetteok? Bindaetteok, also known as mung bean pancake or nokdujeon, is a savory and popular Korean pancake. It is made primarily with ground mung beans and fresh vegetables. It is a delicious and hearty cake commonly served as a snack or appetizer. The main ingredient, mung beans, are soaked, ground, and mixed with vegetables like green onions, kimchi, peppers, and bean sprouts. Sometimes, ground pork or seafood is added to enhance the substance. The mixture is then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. If you made it right it will have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.

17. Homemade Banh Pia Durian Mung Bean Pastry 

Banh pia is also known as pia cake or Vietnamese durian pastry! It is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that originated in the city of Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta region. This easy treat is popular with locals and visitors. The outer layer of the banh pia is a flaky and buttery mung bean crust. The center is filled with a sweet and aromatic durian paste! Banh pia is usually served as a dessert or snack, and it’s a popular edible gift for special occasions. 

18. Sweet Potato Mung Bean Cakes : Gluten Free & Vegan

Sweet Potato Mung Bean Cakes are a popular Vietnamese dessert. They are a lovely crowd pleasure and perfect for family dinner. They are healthy and packed with protein and carotenoids. The combination of sweet potatoes and mung beans creates a delightful contrast of flavors. These cakes have a soft and chewy texture that many people adore. Key ingredients include turmeric, cayenne pepper, chickpea/ garbanzo flour, and grape seed oil. 

19. Thai Mung Bean Coconut Curry

Thai Mung Bean Recipes with Coconut Curry will delight your senses. Homemade Thai-style curry featuring tender mung beans, coconut milk and green chili paste – yum! In Southeast Asia mung beans are also called gram or munggo. They are used in sweet and savory recipes in Indian, Chinese, and Thai cuisines all the time. For this dish you will soak them for a few hours before simmering using a rich broth with coconut milk, green curry paste, and green aubergines. 

20. Mung Bean “Egg” Recipe | Mung Bean Scrambled Eggs

This simple vegan mung bean egg recipe is ready in just 7 minutes. If you’re looking for a tasty plant based breakfast dish that’s rich in protein look no further. Just blend all the ingredients together and boom you’re almost done! It’s one of my favorite methods for whipping up plant-based scrambled eggs. Soy milk works best for the texture and consistency but if you have allergies just substitute it for your preferred liquid. 

21. Sprouts Salad With Mung Beans For A Gentle Detox 

 Are you interested in Mung Bean Recipes for gentle detoxing? Look no further because this salad is just what you need. It’s packed with fiber and antioxidants. Many people consume mung beans to remove toxins! This salad is perfect for meal prep, energy boosting, and any time of the year. Ditch the additives and processed junk because the plant based diet is here! Featuring lemon and cayenne pepper for a wholesome balance of contrasting flavors! 

22. Linubihang Munggo

Linubihang Munggo (Mung Beans with Coconut Milk) is a Filipino recipe for cozy soup. It is cheap to make and packed with nutrients. This simple and scrumptious mung bean stew is typically served with meat, rice, or fried fish. To make this particular Linubihang Munggo you need mung beans, shiitake mushrooms, tomato, and coconut milk. You should add this recipe to your routine because it’s healthy, lowers blood sugar levels, is packed with healthy antioxidants, and tastes amazing. 

23. Spinach Pesarattu- Spinach Mung Bean Crepes

Spinach Pesarattu are essentially Spinach Mung Bean Crepes! They’re practically instant and totally gluten free! The combination of green mung bean and spinach is delightful when paired with coconut chutney. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a midday snack! No special equipment or ingredients are needed and they taste amazing. The spinach creates a really pretty green color to the Crepes as well! 

24. Mung Bean Sprout Side Dish

Sukjunamul-muchim (숙주나물무침) is a popular Korean side dish made from mung bean sprouts! The sprouts are called “sukju” (숙주) in Korean. The dish is also sometimes referred to as “Kongnamul-muchim” (콩나물무침). To prepare Sukjunamul-muchim, the mung bean sprouts are blanched in boiling water. They are tender but still kinda crunchy! They’re also seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and sometimes a bit of vinegar or citrus juice. 

25. Kitchari 

Kitchari, also spelled as “Khichdi” or “Khichri,” is traditional in Indian cuisine. In fact it is particularly popular in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It is a wholesome, one-pot meal made from a combination of rice and mung beans. They are cooked together with aromatic spices and vegetables. Start by washing and soaking the rice and lentils before combining them in a pot with water and ghee. In Ayurvedic tradition, kitchari is often recommended as a healing and cleansing food, especially during times of illness!