If you have ever savored the crisp, garlicky goodness of the famous Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung, then you are going to love recreating this irresistible Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe at home. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that nails the perfect balance between vibrant, crunchy green beans and the aromatic pop of garlic, all wrapped in a subtly salty, freshly peppered finish. Whether as a side or a snack, these green beans deliver a fun, flavorful experience in every bite and bring a delightful crunch to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create an unforgettable taste. Each one is essential — fresh green beans give that satisfying snap, while the garlic adds aromatic warmth and depth. The oil’s role is crucial for achieving the perfect flash fry that keeps the beans crisp.
- Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and dried to ensure they fry up crunchy without any sogginess.
- Oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado): About a quart to provide a high-heat, neutral fry without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic (6 to 8 cloves, minced): The star aromatic that infuses the dish with robust, savory notes.
- Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural nuttiness of the green beans, balancing their fresh flavor.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice and warmth without stealing the spotlight.
How to Make Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by rinsing your green beans thoroughly under cool water and then drying them completely—this step is absolutely critical to avoid oil splatters during frying. Trim off the tough ends and cut the beans into evenly sized pieces about 3 inches long. Uniform size ensures they cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
Step 2: Flash Fry the Green Beans
Pour about an inch of your chosen neutral oil into a shallow pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. Working in small batches to maintain a steady temperature, fry the green beans for exactly one minute. This flash frying locks in their vibrant green color and keeps them satisfyingly crunchy. Keep a close eye on the oil temperature; it should never drop below 325°F, as lower heat leads to soggy, oily beans rather than crisp ones.
Step 3: Drain and Prepare the Garlic
Once each batch is done, transfer the fried green beans to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Then, in a clean pan or wok, add two tablespoons of the reserved frying oil and heat over medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until just fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic will add bitterness instead of that lovely aromatic warmth we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Together and Season
Return the crispy green beans to the pan with garlic, sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper to taste, then increase the heat to high. Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is beautifully combined and heated through. The high heat just before serving ensures the beans stay crisp and the flavors meld together deliciously. Serve immediately — this is a dish best enjoyed fresh!
How to Serve Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and an added dimension of flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. They add a subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with garlic and crisp green beans. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can introduce exciting new notes, giving this classic dish a personal twist.
Side Dishes
These crisp green beans are a showstopper on their own but also play wonderfully alongside hearty mains like fried rice, dumplings, or steamed chicken. Their bright texture and garlicky punch provide a perfectly balanced contrast to rich and comforting dishes, uplifting the meal to a truly memorable feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the green beans piled on a vibrant platter with colorful edible flowers or thinly sliced scallions for pops of color. For a family-style meal, present the green beans in a rustic cast-iron skillet right on the table—it invites everyone to dig in and makes the experience feel warm and communal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to two days but expect the crisp texture to soften a bit as they sit.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing. The delicate crunch of the beans and the fragrant garlic will lose much of their magic after thawing. If you want to save time for future meals, consider prepping the green beans and garlic separately, then combine and stir-fry fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To bring leftover Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe back to life, reheat gently in a hot pan or wok over medium heat just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the beans soggy. A quick toss on the stovetop helps revive some of the crispness and keeps the garlic fragrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans are definitely preferred for this recipe because they hold up better to flash frying and deliver that signature crisp texture. Frozen beans tend to release more water during cooking, which can cause oil splatter and sogginess, so stick to fresh for best results.
What type of oil is best for frying the green beans?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil, works best here. These oils allow for the high heat needed for crisping without imparting extra flavors that might compete with the garlic and green beans.
Is it important to watch the oil temperature while frying?
Absolutely! Keeping the oil hot ensures the green beans cook quickly and become crispy rather than greasy and soft. Overcrowding the pan cools the oil too much, so frying in small batches is key to success with this Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe.
Can I make this dish less garlicky?
Definitely. The amount of garlic can be adjusted to suit your preference. Start with fewer cloves and add more over time as you get used to the flavor. Just make sure to cook the garlic gently to avoid bitter burnt bits.
How can I make the green beans spicy?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper, or drizzle a bit of chili oil over the finished dish. Both methods infuse a lovely heat that complements the garlic beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe is one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that can quickly elevate any meal experience. Crispy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned green beans make a wonderful snack or side, and they come together with straightforward ingredients and a little bit of care. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — it’s bound to become a favorite that you’ll reach for again and again when craving something vibrant and full of flavor.
Print
Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Din Tai Fung Green Beans recipe features perfectly crisp green beans flash-fried to golden perfection and then stir-fried with fragrant garlic, salt, and pepper. A simple yet flavorful side dish that captures the signature taste and texture of the famous restaurant’s take on green beans.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 lb. Fresh Green Beans (trimmed)
Frying Oil
- 1 quart Oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado)
Seasoning and Aromatics
- 6 to 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the green beans thoroughly and dry them completely to avoid oil splatter. Trim off the ends and cut the beans into evenly sized pieces about 3 inches long.
- Heat Oil for Flash Frying: Pour about 1 inch of neutral oil (roughly 1 quart) into a shallow pan and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 375°F. This temperature is essential for achieving a crisp texture.
- Flash Fry the Green Beans: Fry the green beans in small batches for 1 minute, making sure the oil temperature does not fall below 325°F. Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures the beans are crisp, not soggy.
- Drain Fried Beans: Remove the fried green beans and transfer them to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sauté Garlic: In a separate pan or wok, add 2 tablespoons of the reserved frying oil and heat over medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to let it brown.
- Stir-Fry Beans with Seasoning: Return the fried green beans to the pan with the garlic. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the flavors are well combined and beans are heated through.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve the garlic green beans while hot and crisp.
Notes
- Drying the green beans completely before frying is crucial to prevent dangerous oil splatter.
- Frying in small batches maintains high oil temperature ensuring crispy beans.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil for best frying results.
- Do not overcook the garlic; just cook until lightly golden to avoid bitterness.
- This dish is best served immediately to retain the crisp texture.
