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.