Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans Recipe

These Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans are a crispy, savory, and flavorful take on the famous Taiwanese restaurant’s signature dish. Flash-fried green beans are coated in a garlicky sauce that’s simple but packed with umami-rich flavors. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and pairs perfectly with dumplings, noodles, or any Asian-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, tender, and full of savory garlic flavor
• Quick and easy—ready in 15 minutes
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Perfect as a side dish or appetizer
• Restaurant-quality dish made at home

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the green beans:
   • Rinse and trim the ends of the green beans. Pat dry completely to prevent oil splatter during frying.
2. Flash-fry the green beans:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C).
   • Fry the green beans in batches for 1-2 minutes, until they are blistered and slightly crispy but still bright green. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the garlic sauce:
   • In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
   • Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well until the sauce is slightly thickened.
4. Combine:
   • Add the fried green beans to the garlic sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer, garnished with sesame seeds or extra garlic if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Green Beans: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
• Air Fryer Method: Toss green beans with a little oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian mushroom sauce.
• Extra Crunchy: Add toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or air-fry for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
• Do not freeze: The texture of the green beans will become mushy after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans work best for a crispy texture, but you can use thawed frozen green beans in a pinch.

Do I need to deep-fry the green beans?

Flash-frying gives the green beans their signature blistered texture, but you can also sauté or air-fry them for a lighter version.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For the best texture, serve immediately. You can prep the sauce and trim the green beans ahead of time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and skip or replace the oyster sauce with a gluten-free alternative.

How do I make the beans extra crispy?

Dry the beans thoroughly before frying and cook them in hot oil at 350°F for the perfect blistered texture.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.

What can I serve with these green beans?

They pair perfectly with dumplings, fried rice, noodles, or grilled meats for a complete meal.

How do I prevent oil splatter when frying?

Make sure the green beans are completely dry before adding them to the hot oil to reduce splattering.

What’s the best substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a vegetarian mushroom-based stir-fry sauce as a substitute.

Conclusion

These Din Tai Fung-Style Green Beans are the perfect combination of crispy texture, rich garlic flavor, and savory umami goodness. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect as a side dish for Asian-inspired meals or a delicious appetizer for any occasion. With restaurant-quality taste made at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

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