If you’re a fan of Panda Express’s Super Greens, you’ll love this homemade version that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition! This recipe is a simple yet delicious way to create a vibrant and healthy side dish that can complement any meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these Super Greens are not only easy to make but also customizable to your taste. Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can whip it up in your own kitchen!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Super Greens (Panda Express Copycat) recipe is special for several reasons. First, it captures the delightful flavors of the original dish while allowing you to control the ingredients for a fresher taste. The combination of garlic and ginger elevates the dish, providing a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious greens like broccoli, cabbage, and kale, making it a wholesome addition to any meal. Not to mention, this recipe is versatile; you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your palate by adding more soy sauce or rice vinegar!

What Goes In

To make this delicious Super Greens (Panda Express Copycat), you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
3 cups medium-sized broccoli florets
3 cups chopped green cabbage leaves in 1-2 pieces
3 cups chopped curly kale leaves in 1-2 pieces (discard tough stems)
½ cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce (feel free to add a little more to taste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (again, adjust as needed)

Tools of the Trade

Before you get started, gather these essential kitchen tools:

Large skillet or wok: Ideal for sautéing your greens and getting that perfect stir-fry texture.
Cutting board: For chopping your vegetables.
Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping much more efficient.
Measuring spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring everything together as it cooks.

From Start to Finish: Super Greens (Panda Express Copycat)

Follow these simple steps to create your Super Greens (Panda Express Copycat):

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping the broccoli, green cabbage, and kale. Make sure to discard any tough stems from the kale. Mince the garlic and ginger as well.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to become bubbly but not browned.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add the Greens

Toss in the broccoli florets, green cabbage, and curly kale. Stir well to coat the greens in the buttery garlic-ginger mixture.

Step 5: Pour in Broth and Seasonings

Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine all the flavors. The broth will help steam the greens, making them tender.

Step 6: Cook Until Tender

Cover the skillet and let the greens cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be vibrant green and tender but still crisp.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

After the greens are cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it a bit saltier, add more soy sauce or a splash more of rice vinegar for acidity.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Super Greens hot. They make a fantastic side dish or can be enjoyed on their own!

Make It Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to adjust this recipe to meet specific dietary needs, consider the following options:

Vegan: Substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Gluten-Free: Ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari instead.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and soy sauce to reduce salt intake.
Whole30 or Paleo: Omit the soy sauce and rice vinegar, and instead, use coconut aminos for a similar flavor.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

While making Super Greens (Panda Express Copycat) is straightforward, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Overcooking: Be cautious not to overcook the greens, as they can become mushy. Aim for a bright green color and a tender-crisp texture.
Too Salty: If your dish turns out too salty, add a splash of water or more vegetable broth to dilute the flavor.
Bitterness: If the kale tastes too bitter, consider blanching it briefly in boiling water before adding it to the skillet.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

To keep your Super Greens fresh and delicious:

Cooling: Allow the greens to cool down to room temperature before storing.
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Rewarming: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my Super Greens soggy?

Soggy greens often result from overcooking. Keep an eye on them, and remember that they should be tender yet crisp. If they become too soft, consider cooking them for a shorter time next time.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture of your greens.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, water will work in a pinch. You may also consider adding a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when serving for an extra kick!

That’s a Wrap

This Super Greens (Panda Express Copycat) recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also delivers a vibrant, nutritious dish that can fit seamlessly into any meal. With the bright colors of the vegetables and the aromatic garlic and ginger, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds! Whether served alongside your favorite protein or as a standalone dish, these Super Greens are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves and get cooking; your taste buds will thank you!