Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe

Short Description

Din Tai Fung’s famous green beans are a simple yet flavorful dish featuring crisp-tender green beans infused with a rich garlic aroma. This dish is stir-fried to perfection, making it a great side to accompany any Asian-inspired meal. The secret lies in flash-frying the beans, which gives them their signature texture and vibrant color while maintaining a light crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor – This recipe closely mimics the taste of the popular restaurant dish.
• Quick and Easy – Requires minimal ingredients and takes only a few minutes to prepare.
• Crispy Texture – Flash-frying locks in the perfect crispiness while keeping the beans tender inside.
• Versatile – Pairs well with various Asian dishes, including dumplings, fried rice, and noodles.
• Healthy and Delicious – Green beans are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being naturally low in calories.

Ingredients

• Fresh green beans
• Garlic cloves
• Cooking oil (such as vegetable or peanut oil)
• Salt
• White pepper (optional)
• Soy sauce (optional for added flavor)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beans – Wash and thoroughly dry the green beans. Trim the ends and set them aside.
2. Heat the Oil – In a wok or deep pan, heat enough oil to cover the beans partially. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for flash-frying.
3. Flash-Fry the Green Beans – Carefully add the green beans to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly blistered. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
4. Prepare the Garlic – In a separate pan or wok, remove excess oil, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant but not browned.
5. Toss the Beans – Add the flash-fried green beans to the pan with the garlic. Stir-fry quickly, seasoning with salt, white pepper, and soy sauce if using.
6. Serve Immediately – Remove from heat and plate the beans. Enjoy while hot as a side dish to your favorite meal.

Variations

• Air-Fried Version – Instead of flash-frying, toss the beans in a light coating of oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Oven-Roasted Option – Roast the beans in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until blistered.
• Spicy Twist – Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil for a kick of heat.
• Umami Boost – Toss in a dash of oyster sauce or a sprinkle of MSG for an extra depth of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2-4

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the beans soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep the green beans crispy?

Flash-frying at high heat ensures a crisp texture. Also, drying the beans thoroughly before frying prevents sogginess.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh beans work best, but you can use frozen beans if thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil works well due to their high smoke points.

Can I make this dish without frying?

Yes! Try air-frying or oven-roasting for a healthier alternative.

Why are my green beans too soft?

Overcooking or frying at a low temperature can cause them to lose their crispiness. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but pre-minced can work in a pinch.

What dishes pair well with this?

These green beans complement dumplings, fried rice, and stir-fried noodles beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can flash-fry the beans in advance and quickly stir-fry with garlic before serving.

Can I use a wok or a regular pan?

A wok is ideal for high-heat cooking, but a deep skillet or frying pan will work as well.

What other seasonings can I add?

Try sesame oil, Sichuan peppercorns, or a sprinkle of sugar for added complexity.

Conclusion

Din Tai Fung’s green beans are a simple yet impressive dish that brings authentic flavors to your home kitchen. Whether you opt for the traditional flash-fried method or a healthier alternative, this recipe guarantees crisp, garlicky goodness with every bite. Give it a try and elevate your next meal with this iconic side dish!

Print