Din Tai Fung’s green beans are a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that’s become a fan favorite at the famous Taiwanese restaurant chain. This dish features crispy-tender green beans stir-fried with fragrant garlic, delivering a burst of umami in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for replicating the restaurant experience right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 15 minutes
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- A healthy side dish that pairs well with any main course
- Recreates the authentic Din Tai Fung flavor at home
- Vegan and gluten-free (with appropriate soy sauce)
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh green beans
- Garlic, finely minced
- Soy sauce
- Salt
- Vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
Directions
- Wash and trim the green beans by cutting off the ends.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the blanched green beans and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with soy sauce and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat evenly.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for extra punch.
- Sesame Twist: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
How do I keep the green beans crispy?
Blanching the beans briefly before stir-frying helps keep them tender-crisp while retaining their bright color.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower works best since it won’t overpower the garlic flavor.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, as long as you use a vegan-friendly soy sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the green beans and garlic ahead of time to speed up cooking later.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, stir-fried shrimp or tofu would be a great addition for extra protein.
Why blanch the green beans first?
Blanching locks in the bright green color and helps achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture.
What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or other Asian-inspired main courses like dumplings or stir-fried chicken.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Conclusion
Din Tai Fung Green Beans are a quick, flavorful, and healthy side dish that brings the taste of your favorite restaurant straight to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish for a special meal. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a household favorite!
Print
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry, Deep-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese, Taiwanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Din Tai Fung’s garlic green beans are a beloved side dish known for their crisp texture and rich garlic flavor. Here’s how you can recreate this delightful dish at home:
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed to 3-inch pieces
- 15 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG or chicken bouillon powder (optional)
- Neutral oil (such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil) for frying
Instructions
-
Prepare the Green Beans:
- After washing, thoroughly dry the green beans to prevent oil splatter during frying.
- Trim the ends and cut them into approximately 3-inch lengths.
-
Flash-Fry the Green Beans:
- In a deep pan or wok, add about 1 inch of neutral oil.
- Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). It’s advisable to use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
- Carefully add a handful of green beans into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 45-60 seconds until the skins blister. Over-frying can lead to soggy beans.
- Remove the beans and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the process until all beans are fried.
-
Sauté with Garlic:
- Remove the frying oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- On medium heat, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Avoid browning the garlic.
- Return the fried green beans to the pan.
- Season with kosher salt, white pepper, and MSG or chicken bouillon powder if using.
- Toss everything together for about a minute to ensure the beans are well-coated and heated through.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the garlic green beans to a serving plate and enjoy them warm.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F is crucial. If the temperature drops too low, the beans may absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Alternative Cooking Method: For a lighter version, you can air-fry the green beans. Toss them with a small amount of oil and air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they blister. Then, sauté with garlic and seasonings as described above
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