If you’ve ever craved that vibrant, fresh, and satisfying vegetable medley from Panda Express, you’re in for a treat with this Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe – Easy, Healthy, Delicious Recipe. This dish blends crisp broccoli, tender cabbage, and earthy kale in a simple yet flavor-packed stir-steam combination that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you want a wholesome side or a veggie-packed base for meal prep, this recipe brings all the goodness and taste to your kitchen without any hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe – Easy, Healthy, Delicious Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, delivering crunch, color, or umami flavor while keeping the dish light and fresh. You’ll find these items easy to grab from your pantry or local market.
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color packed with vitamins.
- 2 cups chopped green cabbage: Provides a mild sweetness and tender texture when steamed.
- 1 cup sliced kale: Offers a hearty, leafy green boost full of nutrients.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: Gives a healthy fat base and helps vegetables sauté perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, savory punch that’s key to the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps steam the greens gently, keeping them crisp-tender.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Brings depth and a touch of saltiness without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty aroma and richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances flavors to your preference.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Sprinkles a lovely visual and subtle crunch.
How to Make Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe – Easy, Healthy, Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli
Start by heating your choice of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the minced garlic and sautée just about 30 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen. Immediately add the broccoli florets, giving them a quick 2 to 3-minute sauté to bring out that fresh, slightly sweet flavor while maintaining their satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Kale with Water
Next, stir in the chopped green cabbage and sliced kale. Pour in the water, then cover the pan with a lid. The steam created will gently soften the greens while preserving their vibrant color and nutrients. Let this cook covered for 3 to 4 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure the vegetables remain perfectly tender yet crisp.
Step 3: Finish with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
Remove the lid and drizzle the low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil over the veggies. Toss everything together carefully to ensure every piece gets coated in the flavorful sauce. Allow it to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste buds.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the glorious super greens onto a serving dish. If you like a little extra texture and visual appeal, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. This dish is best enjoyed warm as a wholesome side or as a vibrant veggie base for your favorite main dishes.
How to Serve Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe – Easy, Healthy, Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, sesame seeds are a classic choice for their toasty flavor and crunch. You might also try a few red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick or a drizzle of rice vinegar to brighten the taste even further. Freshly chopped scallions can add a lovely punch of color and mild onion flavor as well.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a versatile and delicious side that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired mains like teriyaki chicken, grilled tofu, or shrimp stir-fry. It also works wonderfully with simple steamed rice or quinoa, turning your meal into a complete and balanced feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, try plating your super greens in a colorful bowl alongside vibrant sauces such as a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo or a sesame-ginger dressing. Layer them on top of a grain bowl for a nutritious lunch or add a fried egg on top to create a wholesome breakfast option. The possibilities are endless with this adaptable recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe – Easy, Healthy, Delicious Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled and make sure to cool completely before sealing to maintain that fresh veggie crunch and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing cooked greens can sometimes affect texture, this recipe freezes decently if you plan to reheat them in soups or casseroles later. Portion into freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to avoid overcooking and turning the veggies mushy. You can also steam them briefly or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to retain their vibrant colors and delightful bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli, cabbage, and kale can be used if fresh aren’t available, but adjust the water and cooking time as frozen veggies release moisture differently and may become softer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce option. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Adding red pepper flakes during the final cooking step or serving with a spicy sauce can easily spice it up without losing the original flavor balance.
What can I add to make it more filling?
For a more substantial meal, toss in cooked chickpeas, edamame, or your protein of choice like grilled chicken or tofu. Adding some cooked brown rice or quinoa on the side makes it a complete meal.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?
The key is to steam just until tender-crisp and avoid overcooking. Using a lid to steam the veggies briefly preserves their texture and vibrant colors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fresh, nutritious, and utterly delicious way to add more greens into your meals, this Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe – Easy, Healthy, Delicious Recipe is your new best friend. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have a vibrant side dish that’s as satisfying as it is good for you. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a regular favorite for lunch, dinner, or meal prep—go ahead and dig in!
Print
Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe – Easy, Healthy, Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish featuring a vibrant mix of broccoli, green cabbage, and kale. Lightly sautéed and steamed with garlic and flavored with soy and sesame oil, it’s perfect as a nutritious addition to any meal or as a wholesome veggie base for meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 cup sliced kale
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Add broccoli and sauté: Add the chopped broccoli florets and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to start tenderizing while maintaining a slight crunch.
- Add cabbage, kale, and water, then steam: Stir in the chopped green cabbage and sliced kale. Pour in 2 tablespoons of water, cover the skillet with a lid, and steam the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still vibrant in color.
- Finish with soy sauce and sesame oil: Remove the lid and stir in the low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, tossing to evenly coat the vegetables and enhance the flavors.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer the cooked super greens to a serving dish, garnish with optional sesame seeds, and serve warm as a healthy side or meal prep vegetable base.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of rice vinegar or sprinkle red pepper flakes.
- You can use a steamer basket instead of sautéing in a skillet.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
