Crispy Green Beans from PF Chang's feature tender green beans coated in a light, golden tempura batter, fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior and served with a tangy, savory dipping sauce, delivering a fresh and flavorful appetizer.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or deep, heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Wire rack or paper towels
- Plate or platter
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan (for sauce)
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold club soda
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For dipping sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Use fresh green beans to ensure the best texture and flavor, as older beans can become too soft when fried. Cold club soda is essential in the batter to create a light and crispy tempura coating by activating the baking powder and helping the batter expand. Vegetable oil should be heated to around 350degF (175degC) for optimal frying to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without absorbing excess oil. Ensure you whisk the batter just until combined to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to a dense and heavy coating. Your Crispy Green Beans from PF Chang's copycat menu will deliver a perfect balance of tender inside and crispy outside, complemented by a tangy, savory dipping sauce.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and trim ends of green beans.
- Pat green beans dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in cold club soda until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.
- Heat oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip green beans in batter, coating well.
- Carefully add battered green beans to hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
- Use slotted spoon to remove green beans, draining on wire rack or paper towels.
- Repeat frying with remaining green beans.
- For dipping sauce, mix mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl until smooth.
- Arrange crispy green beans on plate or platter.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce on the side.
Substitution
Crispy Green Beans from PF Chang's copycat menu offer a delightful crunch with their light tempura batter and tender interior. If club soda is unavailable, you can substitute with cold sparkling water to achieve the same crispiness in the batter. When frying, maintain oil temperature between 350-375degF (175-190degC) for optimal texture and avoid sogginess. Your green beans should be fresh and thoroughly dried to ensure the batter adheres properly without becoming greasy. The tangy dipping sauce can be adjusted by reducing sriracha for a milder flavor or adding extra honey for sweetness.
Tips
Ensure your green beans are thoroughly dried before battering to help the batter adhere and avoid sogginess during frying. Maintain the oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. When preparing the dipping sauce, whisk the ingredients until smooth and adjust the sriracha to suit your preferred spice level for the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.
Nutritions
Crispy Green Beans from PF Chang's provide a nutritious boost by incorporating fresh green beans, which are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential antioxidants. The tempura batter, made from all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and club soda, adds a light crunch without excessive calories when fried properly in vegetable oil. The tangy dipping sauce combines mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, garlic, and ginger, contributing additional flavor while offering anti-inflammatory benefits from ginger and garlic. By enjoying this appetizer, you benefit from a satisfying mix of flavors with a combination of nutrients that support your overall well-being.
Storage
Store leftover crispy green beans in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and maintain crunchiness. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, and reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the tempura batter to become soggy, affecting your enjoyment of the dish.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap cold club soda with sparkling water or chilled beer to achieve a different tempura batter texture and flavor. Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour for a lighter, crispier coating that enhances the crunch. Experiment with dipping sauce by substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to create a tangier, healthier alternative. You can also bake the battered green beans at 425degF (220degC) for 15-18 minutes as a lighter cooking method, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
Allergies
Crispy Green Beans from PF Chang's contain ingredients such as all-purpose flour and soy sauce, which may pose allergy risks for individuals sensitive to gluten or soy. The dipping sauce includes mayonnaise, which often contains eggs, potentially affecting those with egg allergies. If you have food allergies, carefully review ingredient lists or consult with the restaurant before enjoying this appetizer.
Why this recipe?
PF Chang's Crispy Green Beans are favored for their perfect balance of crunch and savory flavor, coated in a light tempura batter that enhances the freshness of the green beans. The dish is often paired with a tangy soy garlic dipping sauce, adding a burst of umami that excites the taste buds. You will find making a copycat version worth the effort due to the simple ingredients and satisfying texture, which make for an impressive appetizer that can be enjoyed at home. Mastering this recipe allows you to recreate a popular menu item that consistently delights diners with its vibrant taste and crispiness.