Crispy, Sweet Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans Recipe

Crispy and vibrant green beans dance with a savory Chinese-inspired technique that makes this din tai fung-style green beans recipe irresistible.

Seared until perfectly blistered, these beans capture restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Fragrant garlic and salty soy create an addictive coating that transforms ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients promise maximum flavor in this simple yet spectacular side dish.

High heat is the secret weapon for achieving that signature charred exterior while maintaining a tender interior.

Bold seasonings bring complexity to what could be an average vegetable preparation.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can create restaurant-quality magic with just a few quick moves.

How to Nail the Texture of Green Beans

• Dry Beans Thoroughly: Pat green beans completely dry to prevent dangerous oil splatters and ensure crispy, perfectly blistered texture during frying.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain steady medium-high heat around 350F to achieve restaurant-style crispy green beans without burning or undercooking.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Add sauces gradually and mix carefully to create a balanced, glossy coating that enhances the green beans' natural taste.
• Quick Batch Frying: Cook green beans in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy results.
• Customize Sauce Intensity: Adjust soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper quantities to match personal spice and saltiness preferences.

Tips on Saving Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans for Later

• Store leftover green beans in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the beans separate from the sauce to maintain their crispy texture.
• Warm beans in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of oil to help restore crispiness and prevent sticking.
• Gently reheat the garlic sauce in a small pan, stirring constantly to prevent separation and maintain its smooth consistency.
• Discard beans if they develop an off smell, unusual color, or slimy texture to ensure food safety and best taste.

Foods That Pair with Din Tai Fung Green Beans

• Grilled teriyaki chicken complements the crispy green beans, balancing the garlic sauce's intensity with its sweet and savory profile.
• Crisp Riesling cuts through the bean's richness, its slight acidity refreshing the palate and enhancing the garlic's bold undertones.
• Steamed jasmine rice absorbs the sauce's flavor, creating a soft background that highlights the green beans' crunchy texture.
• Tender pork belly provides a rich, fatty counterpoint to the light and zesty green bean preparation, creating a classic Asian flavor combination.

Flavor Variations on Din Tai Fung Green Beans

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace oyster sauce with mushroom-based sauce or tamari. Use plant-based oil and swap white pepper for a milder spice blend. Keep the core cooking technique identical for a cruelty-free version.
• Low-Sodium Health Option: Substitute regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Cut sugar amount in half and use low-sodium vegetable broth for added moisture. Select fresh green beans for maximum nutrition.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce during garlic sauce preparation. Incorporate fresh chopped jalapeños for extra heat. Reduce sugar slightly to balance spiciness and maintain authentic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Select certified gluten-free oyster sauce or replace with mushroom-based alternative. Ensure all ingredients are verified gluten-free before cooking.

FAQs About Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans

• Why are the green beans flash-fried?

Flash-frying helps create a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining the beans’ bright green color and tender interior. It also reduces oil absorption compared to deep-frying.

• Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Fresh green beans are recommended. Frozen beans contain more moisture and won’t achieve the same crispy texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them extremely dry before frying.

• What's the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?

Sugar balances the salty flavors from soy and oyster sauce, creating a harmonious sweet-savory flavor profile that’s characteristic of Din Tai Fung’s cooking style.

• Is it necessary to use white pepper specifically?

White pepper provides a distinct, slightly sharper flavor compared to black pepper. However, if you don’t have white pepper, black pepper can be a suitable substitute with a slightly different taste profile.

Why These Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans Hit the Spot

• Simple steps transform ordinary green beans into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Anyone can master the professional-style cooking method without special culinary skills, creating crispy beans with perfect texture in just minutes.
• The combination of garlic sauce with soy and oyster sauce delivers an authentic Din Tai Fung taste that elevates a basic vegetable side into a crave-worthy experience.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a stunning appetizer that impresses guests while being incredibly simple to prepare- ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients for Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Main Ingredients:

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetable base with crisp texture that gets wonderfully blistered when flash-fried. Look for young, slender beans without blemishes.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Provide deep umami flavor and salty complexity to the dish. Choose high-quality, naturally brewed versions.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements and helps create a subtle sweet undertone.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for high-heat frying and creating crispy green bean exterior. Neutral oils like canola work best.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic punch and authentic Din Tai Fung character. Choose firm, fragrant cloves.
• White Pepper: Adds subtle heat and traditional Chinese seasoning. Ground version works better than whole peppercorns.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, rich finish that elevates the entire dish. Use sparingly for best results.

• Sesame Seeds: Optional topping that adds subtle crunch and visual appeal. Toasted seeds have more intense flavor.

Cooking Directions for Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans

Step 1: Prepare Green Beans

Rinse green beans and trim off the ends. Thoroughly dry the beans using paper towels to prevent oil splatter when cooking.

Step 2: Flash-Fry Beans

• Blistered
• Slightly crispy
• Bright green color maintained

Remove beans and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Create Garlic Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sugar
• Sesame oil
• White pepper

Cook garlic until fragrant, then mix all ingredients until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine Beans and Sauce

Add fried green beans to garlic sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Extra minced garlic

Serve immediately while hot as a side dish or appetizer.

Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy green beans with din tai fung-style magic bring Chinese restaurant perfection right to home kitchens. Garlic-infused, perfectly seasoned beans offer restaurant-quality flavors you can easily create with simple ingredients and quick cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse green beans and meticulously trim their ends, ensuring complete dryness to minimize potential oil splattering during cooking.
2. Prepare a deep pan or wok with vegetable oil, heating to optimal temperature around 350°F/175°C for precise flash-frying.
3. Carefully submerge green beans in hot oil, working in small batches to maintain temperature consistency, frying until exterior develops delicate blistering and achieves a subtle crispness while preserving vibrant green color.
4. Transfer fried beans onto paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain completely.
5. In a separate cooking vessel, warm oil over moderate heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
6. Gradually incorporate soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper, stirring continuously to create a harmonious, slightly thickened sauce.
7. Gently introduce crisp-fried green beans into the seasoned sauce, ensuring thorough and uniform coating.
8. Briefly simmer the beans within the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, guaranteeing complete temperature integration and flavor absorption.
9. Plate the green beans, optionally embellishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or additional minced garlic for enhanced visual and gustatory appeal.
10. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Master the drying technique by thoroughly patting green beans with paper towels to prevent dangerous oil splatters during frying.
• Fry green beans in small batches to maintain high oil temperature, ensuring crispy exterior and vibrant green color without overcrowding the pan.
• Adjust seasoning for dietary preferences by using low-sodium soy sauce, gluten-free oyster sauce, or replacing sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit for keto-friendly options.
• Control spice levels by adding chili flakes or Sichuan peppercorns for those who enjoy extra heat, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits individual tastes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg