Craving that delicious Panda Express Super Greens, but want a healthier, homemade version? Look no further! This copycat recipe delivers all the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures you love, without the hefty sodium and hidden ingredients. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. Get ready to enjoy this easy recipe and impress your family with your homemade cooking skills!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced (optional, adds a nice crunch)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies: Wash and chop all your vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother and faster.
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Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, broccoli, snow peas, and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Don't overcrowd the pan; if necessary, work in batches.
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Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the wok. Add the water chestnuts (if using) and baby spinach. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve: Serve the Super Greens stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Stir-fry them over medium-high heat and don't overcrowd the pan.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will always yield the best flavor and texture.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the Super Greens with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, for a more substantial meal.
Variations:
- Add protein: Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef would be delicious additions to this recipe. Add your protein during step 3 along with the other vegetables.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Ensure your soy sauce is vegetarian/vegan friendly and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 8-10g
This healthy and delicious Super Greens Panda Express copycat recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy!