Crispy Fried Green Beans (P.F. Changs Copycat)
If you’ve ever dined at P.F. Changs, you’ll know that their Crispy Fried Green Beans are a delightful appetizer that keeps you coming back for more. Imagine biting into perfectly crispy green beans, with a light, airy coating and a touch of flavor that makes them irresistible. Today, I’m excited to share a copycat recipe that brings this restaurant favorite right into your kitchen. Not only are these crispy fried green beans easy to make, but they also offer a fun and crispy twist to your vegetable intake.
So, grab your apron, and let’s get frying!
Top Reasons to Make Crispy Fried Green Beans (P.F. Changs Copycat)
- Healthier snacking: Fried green beans are a great way to enjoy vegetables while indulging in a crispy treat.
- Perfect for gatherings: These make fantastic appetizers or sides for parties, family gatherings, or game days.
- Quick and easy: The preparation and frying process is straightforward and can be done in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning or dipping sauces to suit your taste.
- Deliciously addictive: Once you start, it’s hard to stop munching on these crispy delights!
What Goes In
To replicate the magic of P.F. Changs’ Crispy Fried Green Beans, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup club soda, cold
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt (or garlic salt)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Sriracha mayo, for dipping
Essential Tools for Success
- Frying pan or deep pot: For frying the green beans evenly.
- Slotted spoon: To remove green beans from the oil safely.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the batter and mixing ingredients.
- Paper towels: To absorb excess oil after frying.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient measurements.
Crispy Fried Green Beans (P.F. Changs Copycat) Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by trimming the ends off your green beans. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry to ensure the batter sticks well.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold club soda until well combined. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until it forms a smooth batter.
Step 3: Season the Batter
Add salt and pepper to the batter. Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or other spices if you want to elevate the flavor.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a frying pan or deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Check if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float.
Step 5: Coat the Green Beans
Dip each green bean into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing it in the hot oil.
Step 6: Fry the Green Beans
Carefully place the battered green beans into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain and Season
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried green beans from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. While they are still hot, sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
Step 8: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Serve your crispy fried green beans with sriracha mayo for an extra kick! You can also experiment with other dipping sauces if preferred.
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
- Spicy: Add more sriracha to the mayo or include chili powder in the batter.
- Herb-infused: Mix dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the batter for added flavor.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more club soda to achieve a better consistency.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to prevent sogginess.
- If the green beans are browning too quickly, lower the heat to allow them to cook through without burning.
- For extra crispiness, consider double-dipping the green beans in the batter.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
These crispy fried green beans are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven (around 375°F) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Your Top Questions
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
While fresh green beans yield the best results, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before coating them in batter.
How do I make sriracha mayo?
To make sriracha mayo, mix equal parts mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Adjust the ratio to your spice preference!
Can I use other vegetables besides green beans?
Absolutely! This batter works well with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or even onion rings. Just adjust the frying time according to the thickness of the vegetable.
What can I serve with crispy fried green beans?
These green beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as grilled chicken, burgers, or as a crunchy addition to a salad!
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Let’s Eat
Now that you have the recipe and the know-how, it’s time to get cooking! These Crispy Fried Green Beans (P.F. Changs Copycat) are sure to be a hit with family and friends. They are easy to make, deliciously crispy, and perfect for dipping. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors and sauces. Enjoy your crispy culinary adventure!
Crispy Fried Green Beans (P.F. Changs Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans - Start by trimming the ends off your green beans. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry to ensure the batter sticks well.
- Step 2: Make the Batter - In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold club soda until well combined. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until it forms a smooth batter.
- Step 3: Season the Batter - Add salt and pepper to the batter. Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or other spices if you want to elevate the flavor.
- Step 4: Heat the Oil - In a frying pan or deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Check if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float.
- Step 5: Coat the Green Beans - Dip each green bean into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing it in the hot oil.
- Step 6: Fry the Green Beans - Carefully place the battered green beans into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Drain and Season - Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried green beans from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. While they are still hot, sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
- Step 8: Serve with Dipping Sauce - Serve your crispy fried green beans with sriracha mayo for an extra kick! You can also experiment with other dipping sauces if preferred.
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
- For extra crispiness, consider double-dipping the green beans in the batter.
