✔ Updated · new copycat recipe with step photos
This copycat Panda Express Super Greens is the lighter side on the line: broccoli, kale and cabbage tossed with garlic in a hot wok and steamed until bright green and tender crisp. It takes about 16 minutes and goes with any orange chicken or beef night.
How Do You Make Panda Express Super Greens? (Quick Answer)
Sizzle 3 cloves of minced garlic in a little oil in a very hot wok, add 4 cups broccoli and 2 cups cabbage, then 2 cups chopped kale and a splash of water. Cover for 2 minutes, toss until tender crisp, and season with a teaspoon of soy sauce, salt and a few drops of sesame oil.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Get the wok really hot first. The greens should sizzle the second they go in.
Why You'll Love These Super Greens
- Light side about 90 calories a serving.
- Quick on the table in under 20 minutes.
- Bright color steamed just until green.
- Flexible swap in any sturdy greens.
- Balances takeout pairs with saucy wok dishes.
What Is Panda Express Super Greens?
Super Greens is the vegetable side at Panda Express, a mix of broccoli, kale and cabbage you can pick instead of rice or chow mein.
At home it's a quick stir fry and steam in one pan, seasoned simply so the greens stay the star.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Broccoli: the main green. Cut it into small florets.
- Kale: curly kale holds up to the heat. Remove the tough stems.
- Cabbage: adds a mild sweetness and crunch.
- Garlic and sesame oil: just enough flavor without a heavy sauce.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Dry the greens. Wet greens steam too early and won't pick up the garlic flavor.
- Same size pieces. Bite size broccoli and cabbage cook at the same pace.
- Don't overcook. Pull it as soon as the broccoli is bright green with a little bite.
- Season lightly. Panda keeps it simple, so a little soy and sesame oil is plenty.
- Bagged shortcuts. Pre cut broccoli and shredded cabbage save 5 minutes.
- At our table. Max eats the broccoli first, so I pile extra on his half of the bowl.
Panda Express Super Greens
4
servings10
minutes6
minutes90
kcal16
minutesA copycat Panda Express Super Greens: broccoli florets, curly kale and green cabbage tossed with sizzling garlic in a hot wok, steamed with a splash of water and seasoned lightly with salt, a little soy sauce and sesame oil. Serves 4 as a side.
Ingredients
4 cups broccoli florets, bite size
2 cups curly kale, stems removed, chopped
2 cups green cabbage, chopped into 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Directions
- Cut the broccoli into bite size florets, strip the kale off its stems and chop it, and cut the cabbage into 1 inch pieces. Keep them in separate piles.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it just smokes. Add the oil and garlic and stir for 20 to 30 seconds, until fragrant but not brown.
- Add the broccoli and cabbage, toss for 1 minute, then add the kale and the water. Cover and steam for 2 minutes, then uncover and toss for 1 to 2 minutes more until the broccoli is bright green and tender crisp.
- Season with the soy sauce, salt, sugar and sesame oil, toss once more and serve hot.
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Storage
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes so they don't go soggy.
More Panda Express Copycats
Build a full plate with my Panda Express chow mein, fried rice and orange chicken, or see all my Panda Express recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Panda Express Super Greens?
It is a mix of broccoli, kale and cabbage. This copycat cooks them with garlic and seasons them lightly with soy sauce, salt and sesame oil.
Is Super Greens healthy?
It is one of the lightest sides on the menu. This home version has about 90 calories a serving.
Can I use bagged kale?
Yes. Pick out any thick stems first so everything cooks evenly.
Can I make it ahead?
It is best fresh. You can chop all the vegetables up to 2 days ahead and keep them in the fridge.
What goes with Super Greens?
Try it with my <a href="https://recipefairy.com/panda-express-orange-chicken/">Panda Express orange chicken</a> or <a href="https://recipefairy.com/panda-express-beijing-beef/">Beijing beef</a>.
