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    Home » Recipes » Sides, Snacks

    Published: September 30, 2022 | Last Modified: September 30, 2022 by Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju | This post may contain affiliate links. 💬 - No Comments

    Din Tai Fung Green Beans (Smothered in Garlic!)

    Dairy Free RecipesGluten Free RecipesNut Free RecipesVegan RecipesVegetarian Recipes
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    These delicious smothered garlic green beans are inspired by Din Tai Fung's green beans. Vegan, gluten-free and made with just four ingredients, this dish is a family favorite!
    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

    If you're bored of the same old green beans, then this recipe will be your new best friend. Inspired by Din Tai Fung green beans, these smothered garlic green beans are crispy, savory, and addictively delicious! They're perfect as a side dish, or even as part of a main course. So next time you're looking for something new to make with green beans, give this recipe a try!

    Overhead view of green beans in white plate on a cream napkin, with garlic and extra green beans on the side,

    This post contains helpful tips and tricks! If you're in a rush, please use the "Jump to Recipe" link!

    This post might contain affiliate links. If you click on those and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    💭 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.

    Labeled ingredient shot for green bean recipe - check recipe card for details.

    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.

    Overhead view of green beans boiling in water in black pot, atop wooden platter.
    Overhead view of green beans in ice cold water in glass bowl.

    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.  

    Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter.

    Drop them on a rack lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. 

    Overhead view of blisters on green beans after frying.

    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. 

    Overhead view of garlic toasted in oil in black skillet.
    Overhead view of green beans roasted with garlic in black skillet.

    Now toss the beans back in the pan with the garlic and toss them. Salt to taste. Serve hot!

    Close up of cooked Din Tai Fung green beans in black skillet.

    👩🏽‍🍳FAQs for the Best Din Tai Fung Green Beans!

    I have a couple of tips to make sure that your smothered garlic green beans turn out exactly the same each time!

    Troubleshooting Tips

    How do you keep green beans fresh?

    Green beans should be stored, unwashed, in the crisper drawer of your fridge. If they came in a bag, keep them in the same bag. If not, transfer them to a reusable bag before storing them in the fridge.

    What is dry frying?

    Dry frying means frying in oil without any batter or breading - so the surface of the food dries out. Make sure that the green beans are fully covered and use avocado oil (or similar oil with a high smoke point).

    Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?

    Yes, you can, but I don't recommend it. Fresh green beans taste much better in this recipe. If you do have to use frozen green beans, you'll have to first rinse them well, then thaw and dry them completely, and skip the blanching. Or else, the water will splatter while you're frying!

    Can I air fry the green beans instead?

    Yes, you can! I suggest blanching the green beans and then air frying at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Check that the green beans are tender, and if it's still tough, then air fry for two more minutes.

    Do you have to blanch the green beans?

    Blanching the green beans makes a huge difference to the color - they are much brighter, and a tad bit tender. So, I highly recommend that you do blanch the green beans before frying!

    🍴 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.

    Green beans smothered in garlic, served on a white plate.

    If you like this recipe, check out my other easy side recipes:

    • Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Vegan, Six Ingredients!)
    • Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut (Beans Poriyal)
    • Bombay Potatoes (Spicy Indian Potatoes)
    • Fried Avocado

    Did you make this recipe?! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Please leave a comment and a star rating and let me know how it went! We love hearing from you, thank you so much

    Overhead view closeup of green beans on white plate.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Smothered Garlic Green Beans

    These delicious smothered garlic green beans are inspired by Din Tai Fung's green beans. Vegan, gluten-free and made with just four ingredients, this dish is a family favorite!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Asian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 152kcal
    Author: Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups green beans, ends trimmed and halved
    • 8 cloves garlic, minced
    • 6 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Blanch 4 cups of green beans in boiling water (15-20 seconds) and then shock them by placing them in ice water to stop cooking. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel thoroughly after the ice bath!
      Note: If you don't dry properly, the water could splatter in the oil - this can be dangerous. So please make sure to dry properly!
    • Heat a small saucepan or wok (smaller is better because you’ll want to deep fry the green beans).
      Add ⅓ cup of oil or as much as needed to completely cover the beans. Heat to 350F and then drop the beans in there. It should bubble and fry immediately. Fry for 30 - 60 seconds until they are blistered. 
      Drop them on a rack lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil. 
    • In a different pan, add ½ to 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and then add minced or chopped garlic to the hot oil. Fry them up 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!

    Video

    Notes

    • Make sure you wash and dry the green beans well. Otherwise, the water in the water in the green beans will splatter when it hits the hot oil.   
    • Fry them in batches! You don't want to overcrowd since that reduces the oil temperature. This, in turn, will result in oily beans. No one wants that!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 102mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 506IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag @urbanfarmie or #urbanfarmie to let me know – I would LOVE to see your creations!
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    Shruthi Baskaran - Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, and Blogger at Urban Farmie

    I am Shruthi, the recipe developer, photographer and blogger behind Urban Farmie. I have two graduate degrees from Stanford, one focused on food systems. And I hope to bring you everything you need for healthy-ish, comforting, nourishing vegetarian cooking.

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    Recipe Key

    Dairy free
    Gluten free
    Nut free
    Vegan
    Vegetarian

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