If you are a fan of light, crispy, and garlic-kissed vegetables, then you are going to absolutely *love* this Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe. It’s a simple yet spectacular way to transform fresh green beans into a crunchy, flavorful snack or side dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to master at home. These beans get flash-fried to perfection, then quickly tossed with aromatic garlic and just the right amount of seasoning to make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re looking for a unique vegetable side or a fun appetizer, this recipe captures the magic of the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant but in your very own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe starts with a few fresh and straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a key role: the green beans bring vibrant color and natural crunch, the garlic provides irresistible aroma and depth, while the oil and seasonings ensure the perfect fry and seasoning balance.
- Fresh Green Beans: Make sure they are crisp and thoroughly dried to get that perfect frying texture.
- Oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado): Neutral oils with high smoke points work best for that quick, hot frying without burning.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic gives the dish its signature punch and delicate golden color.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the beans’ natural sweetness.
- Pepper: Just a hint to add subtle warmth without overpowering the fresh green bean taste.
How to Make Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Trim Your Green Beans
Start by giving your green beans a gentle rinse to wash away any dirt or residue. It’s crucial to dry them completely before frying because moisture is the enemy of crispiness and will cause oil to splatter dangerously. Trim off the ends and cut the beans into evenly sized pieces roughly 3 inches long. Uniform size means even cooking and that beautiful, consistent crunch.
Step 2: Heat Your Oil and Flash-Fry in Batches
Next, pour about 1 inch of your neutral oil into a shallow pan and heat it to a lively 375°F. This hot oil is the secret to creating that coveted crispy exterior fast. Fry your green beans in small batches, for around 1 minute each, making sure the oil temperature doesn’t fall below 325°F — this keeps them crispy rather than soggy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; smaller batches let the beans fry quickly and retain their snap.
Step 3: Drain and Prepare to Flavor
Once fried, transfer the beans to a paper-towel lined plate to soak up excess oil. This draining step is key to that perfect crunch. Discard any bits of fried batter from the oil to keep things fresh if needed. You’ll reserve some of the infused oil from frying for the next step — that’s where the garlic flavor really shines.
Step 4: Garlic Infusion and Final Toss
In a clean pan or wok, pour 2 tablespoons of the hot oil used for frying. Heat it over medium-low and add your minced garlic. Cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until just fragrant and lightly golden—take care not to brown or burn it. Return the crispy green beans to the pan, season with kosher salt and pepper, then turn the heat up to high and stir-fry everything together for 1 to 2 minutes. This melds all the flavors and coats each crispy bean in garlicky goodness. Serve immediately, while they’re still perfectly crunchy.
How to Serve Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Top these crispy green beans with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced fresh chili to add an extra layer of texture and a splash of color. A tiny drizzle of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving can also brighten up the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This recipe plays well alongside just about anything — from steamed white jasmine rice to sticky orange chicken, or even a spicy Szechuan beef stir-fry. It’s a fantastic vegetable side when you want to add crunch and freshness to your meal without a heavy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next dinner party, serve this Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe in small bamboo steamers or on large sharing platters topped with fresh herbs like cilantro. You can even turn them into bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks for easy snacking. Presentation is all about celebrating that irresistible crisp!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the crispy green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 1 to 2 days to enjoy their crunch, though they may soften over time.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze these green beans as the texture will suffer after thawing. Because they rely heavily on that crispy fried texture, freezing and reheating usually leads to soggy beans.
Reheating
To bring back some of the original crispiness when reheating, place the green beans on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe?
Fresh green beans are highly recommended for this recipe because freezing introduces moisture that can make the beans soggy and less crispy. If you must use frozen, make sure to thaw and completely dry them before frying.
What type of oil is best for frying the green beans?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil, are best to handle the high frying temperatures without burning or imparting unwanted flavors.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?
Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. You want it around 375°F for flashing the beans quickly, and it should stay above 325°F during frying to maintain crispiness.
Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe shines with simple salt and pepper, you can experiment with a sprinkle of five-spice powder, a dash of chili flakes, or a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet?
Yes, it’s perfectly vegan and vegetarian friendly since it uses only plant-based ingredients. It’s a delicious, crunchy vegetable side that fits well within these diets.
Final Thoughts
This Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy and satisfying but is honestly so straightforward to whip up. Its crispy crunch, garlic aroma, and simple seasoning make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time you bring it to the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover how a few fresh ingredients and a little frying magic can turn humble green beans into an unforgettable treat.
Print
Din Tai Fung Style Crispy Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Din Tai Fung Green Beans is a popular Chinese appetizer featuring crisp, flash-fried green beans tossed with fragrant garlic, salt, and pepper. This recipe delivers perfectly crunchy green beans with a savory, aromatic finish, inspired by the famous Taiwanese restaurant’s iconic dish.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 lb. Fresh Green Beans (trimmed)
Frying Oil
- 1 quart Oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado)
Seasoning & 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 dangerous oil splatter when frying. Trim off the ends and cut the beans into evenly sized pieces about 3 inches long to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the Oil for Flash Frying: Pour about 1 inch of neutral oil (approximately 1 quart) into a shallow pan and heat it over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 375°F. This high heat is essential for quick frying that results in crispy beans.
- Flash Fry the Green Beans: Fry the green beans in small batches for 1 minute each, making sure the oil temperature does not fall below 325°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as a drop in temperature will cause beans to steam, resulting in soft and oily beans rather than crisp.
- Drain the Beans: Remove fried green beans from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them crisp and light.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a separate pan or wok, add 2 tablespoons of the reserved frying oil and heat it over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, but be careful not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
- Combine and Season: Return the drained green beans to the pan with the garlic. Add kosher salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the flavors meld and the beans are heated through.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the crispy texture and garlicky aroma at their best.
Notes
- Dry green beans thoroughly before frying to prevent dangerous oil splattering.
- Maintain oil temperature between 325°F to 375°F for crisp, non-greasy beans.
- Fry green beans in small batches to ensure hot oil and avoid sogginess.
- Do not overcook garlic; lightly golden is ideal to prevent bitterness.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil for frying.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
