If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of Panda Express but want a homemade version you can whip up anytime, you’re going to adore this Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of kale, broccoli, and cabbage, all steamed together in a fragrant ginger garlic broth that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re aiming for a nourishing side or simply craving that restaurant-quality goodness at home, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy those crisp, green veggies with a savory twist that feels just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each one plays a unique role: the vegetables provide crunch and nutrients, the aromatics deepen the taste, and the broth ties it all together with a subtle umami boost.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds a light richness that helps gently sauté the aromatics without overpowering.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and a hint of sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery kick that brightens the whole dish.
- 8 cups kale, chopped: This hearty green brings vibrant color and a slightly earthy flavor.
- 4 cups green cabbage, cut into 1” chunks: Adds crunch and a mild sweetness to balance the greens.
- 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets: Provides tender bites packed with vitamins and a subtle bitterness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful steam that cooks the vegetables while enriching their taste.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Delivers the perfect salty umami finish that ties all the ingredients together.
How to Make Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Aromatics
Start by warming the vegetable oil in a large dutch oven or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir constantly for about 15 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let them brown. This quick sauté wakes up their flavors and creates an aromatic base for the greens.
Step 2: Add Kale and Cabbage
Next, add the chopped kale and cabbage chunks to the pot. Stir them together with the garlic and ginger for about one minute. This brief cooking softens the tougher greens just enough to release their natural flavors and prepares them for the steam without losing their delightful texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Broccoli and Liquids
Time for the vibrant broccoli florets to join the party! Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, then stir everything thoroughly so each piece of vegetable is coated in the savory liquid. This step sets the stage for the steaming process, infusing the veggies with that classic Panda Express flavor everyone loves.
Step 4: Steam the Greens
Cover the pot tightly and allow the vegetables to steam for about 3 minutes. This quick steaming locks in nutrients and keeps the greens tender-crisp — the ideal texture that makes this Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe so irresistible. Keep an eye on the veggies to avoid overcooking, ensuring they stay bright and fresh.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once done, give everything a final gentle stir and transfer to a serving dish. Serve your homemade Super Greens while they’re hot for the best taste and texture. Simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the greens. For an extra pop of color and freshness, freshly chopped green onions or a few red chili flakes turn this dish into something truly special. These little touches elevate the presentation and enhance each bite with new layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This copycat side is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Serve alongside classic Asian-inspired dishes like orange chicken, beef and broccoli, or steamed dumplings for a complete meal. It also complements tofu stir-fries and grilled fish perfectly, making your plate feel balanced and exciting every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the super greens over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa as a nutrient-rich bed. Alternatively, toss them into a warm noodle bowl topped with sesame seeds and scallions for a quick weeknight dinner. You can even use these greens as a filling in lettuce wraps for fresh, handheld enjoyment packed with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steamed greens maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 days, making it a perfect side to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
Because of the delicate nature of steamed vegetables, freezing is not recommended for this Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe. The texture doesn’t always hold up well, sometimes becoming mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
When reheating, gently steam or microwave the greens until warmed through. Avoid high heat to preserve the crispness and bright color. A quick toss in a hot pan with a splash of broth can also revive their fresh taste beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. The flavor remains just as vibrant and satisfying without any animal products.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Fresh vegetables are ideal for the best texture, but if pressed for time, frozen broccoli and kale can work. Just adjust the steaming time slightly and be mindful of excess moisture that frozen items can release.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be, provided you use gluten-free soy sauce and broth. Many brands offer tamari or coconut aminos as great gluten-free alternatives that still deliver the classic savory flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic and ginger sauté or drizzle a bit of chili oil right before serving for an extra kick that wakes up the palate.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn to customize the dish. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables’ firmness to keep the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a beloved restaurant side right into your own kitchen. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with fresh flavors that will brighten up any meal. I encourage you to try making it yourself and enjoy the satisfaction of serving something so simple yet incredibly delicious to your family or friends. Trust me, once you taste these vibrant greens, they’ll become a staple you’ll happily turn to again and again.
Print
Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Panda Express Super Greens Copycat recipe is a quick and healthy side dish featuring a vibrant mix of kale, broccoli, and cabbage lightly steamed in a flavorful ginger garlic broth. Perfect for adding a nutritious touch to any meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously fresh vegetable medley inspired by the popular restaurant dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 8 cups kale, chopped
- 4 cups green cabbage, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil and aromatics: Add the vegetable oil to a large dutch oven or wok over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook kale and cabbage: Add the chopped kale and green cabbage to the pot and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to slightly soften the greens while blending the flavors with the aromatics.
- Add broccoli and liquids: Incorporate the broccoli florets, chicken broth, and soy sauce into the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all vegetables are coated evenly with the sauce.
- Steam the vegetables: Cover the pot tightly with a lid to steam the vegetables. Let them cook for 3 minutes until tender but still crisp, allowing the broth to infuse the greens with flavor.
- Serve: Remove the lid and transfer the super greens to a serving dish. Serve hot as a nutritious, vibrant side dish alongside your favorite main courses.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste, especially if watching sodium intake.
- For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with rice, grilled chicken, or tofu.
