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💭 Why you’ll love this recipe
Din Tai Fung is a world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain specializing in xiaolongbao soup dumplings and noodles. Their actual recipe is a closely guarded secret, but this recipe is my attempt to recreate that classic dish.
Out of the world flavors! The combination of garlic and green beans create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palate! Don’t be fooled by the simplicity - this is a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted to your taste. If you want your green beans to be spicier, add chili oil or dried chili pepper flakes. If you want them to be more savory, add soy sauce. The possibilities are endless!It’s quick and easy to make: Despite its complex flavor, this dish only needs four simple ingredients and is super easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests over for dinner!
📋 Ingredients and notes
You’ll only need four ingredients for this garlicky green beans recipe - green beans, salt, avocado oil and garlic cloves.
Notes and Variations
Add more seasoning: I like my green beans quite simple, just garlic and salt! But you can also use ginger and soy sauce, or even chili oil! Swap the vegetables: You can add bok choy, cabbage or even asparagus instead of green beans! Add a dash of toasted sesame oil, peanut oil, rice vinegar or spicy Szechuan chili oil to add a more nutty flavor to the dish. Be generous with the garlic! I use a good amount (eight cloves of garlic) in this recipe, but you can adjust this so it can remain a family favorite! For a healthier version, without deep frying, you can use the air fryer! You’ll get the same crunchy texture without much oil.
📖 Smothered garlic, Din Tai Fung inspired green beans!
First, wash the green beans and cut off the edges of the green beans. Make sure you dry the beans completely - otherwise, the water will make the oil splatter while dry frying!
Blanch green beans in boiling water (15-20 seconds). You can use salted water if you wish. Then, shock them by placing them in ice water to stop cooking. This will help retain the bright green color of the green beans.
Heat a small saucepan or wok (smaller is better because you’ll want to deep fry the green beans). Add oil to cover the beans. Heat to 350°F and then drop the beans in there. It should bubble and fry immediately. Fry until blistered.
This method is called dry frying - a method of deep frying, without breading or battering the vegetable. If you flash fry the green beans this way, it helps blister the string beans.
Drop them on a rack lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
In a different pan, add avocado oil and heat up over medium heat. Add chopped or minced garlic to hot oil. Fry for 15 to 30 seconds until fragrant.
Now toss the beans back in the pan with the garlic and toss them. Salt to taste. Serve hot!
I have a couple of tips to make sure that your smothered garlic green beans turn out exactly the same each time!
Troubleshooting Tips
🍴 Serving and storage suggestions
I suggest serving this dish as soon as it’s done frying! I don’t recommend storing this dish, or freezing this dish. It’s super quick to make fresh, so I suggest doing it right as you need to serve it. If you like this recipe, check out my other easy side recipes: If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to comment and rate! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐