Din Tai Fung Green Beans Recipe

If you’ve ever visited Din Tai Fung, you know their green beans are an irresistible side dish. Tender, perfectly seasoned, and slightly crispy, they’re the ideal accompaniment to their dumplings or noodle dishes. With this recipe, you can now recreate this classic dish at home. The simple yet flavorful sauce makes these green beans a standout, with the perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly smoky flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Din Tai Fung’s green beans are one of the restaurant’s signature dishes for a reason—they’re incredibly flavorful yet simple, and they pair beautifully with a wide variety of meals. The green beans are sautéed until tender-crisp, which gives them a delightful texture that isn’t too soft or too crunchy. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil, gives the beans a savory umami kick without overwhelming their natural taste. It’s a perfect, easy-to-make side dish that elevates any meal.

Ingredients

this recipe

• 1 lb (450g) green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

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

Directions

1. Rinse and trim the green beans, removing the stems. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the green beans and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. The beans should be tender-crisp and slightly blistered.
4. Push the beans to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the green beans and garlic.
6. Toss the green beans in the sauce until they are evenly coated, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. If you prefer a spicy kick, add the chili flakes at this point and stir them in.
8. Once the sauce has absorbed into the beans, remove the skillet from heat.
9. Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

• Spicy version: Add more chili flakes or even a sliced fresh chili to increase the heat. You can also add a splash of sriracha for an extra spicy twist.
• Mushroom addition: For more umami, sauté some shiitake or cremini mushrooms along with the green beans.
• Ginger: Add fresh ginger along with the garlic for a bit of zing and an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegan version: Ensure the oyster sauce is substituted with a vegan-friendly alternative like mushroom or hoisin sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, sauté them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans are best for this recipe, as they retain their crisp texture when sautéed. However, frozen green beans can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Can I substitute the oyster sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian or vegan alternative, such as mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the green beans and make the sauce in advance. However, it’s best to sauté the beans and finish the dish just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, baby corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you add.

5. How do I make the green beans crispy?

The key to crispy green beans is to sauté them on high heat and stir frequently to ensure they don’t become soggy. The high heat will allow them to blister and cook quickly while maintaining a slight crunch.

6. Can I use another type of oil?

While vegetable oil works best for stir-frying, you can also use canola oil, sunflower oil, or even peanut oil for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point.

7. How can I make this dish sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of sugar or add a touch of honey or maple syrup. Balance it out with a little more vinegar for acidity if needed.

8. Can I make this recipe in a wok?

Yes, a wok is perfect for making this dish! The wide surface allows for even heat distribution and ensures the green beans get nicely blistered. Just be sure to stir the beans constantly.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and oyster sauce. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce substitute to make the dish gluten-free.

10. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, simply increase the amount of chili flakes or fresh chili. You could also add a bit of hot chili sauce or sriracha for an extra spicy kick.

Conclusion

Din Tai Fung’s green beans are simple yet packed with flavor, and this recipe captures that magic perfectly. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a delicious side dish that complements almost any Asian-inspired meal. The perfect combination of salty, savory, and a hint of spice makes these green beans a must-try, and they’ll undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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