If you love the fresh and savory side dish from Panda Express, this homemade Super Greens recipe is a must-try. Packed with crisp broccoli, tender kale, and crunchy cabbage, this easy vegetable dish comes together in just minutes. The light garlic sauce adds incredible flavor while keeping the recipe healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free. It’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to make in only 10 minutes
Loaded with nutritious vegetables
Great for keto, gluten-free, and low-carb diets
Perfect as a side dish or light meal
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Tastes fresh and flavorful without being heavy
Easy to customize with different vegetables or seasonings
Better than takeout and budget-friendly
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 cups kale, roughly chopped and lightly packed
4 cups broccoli florets
4 cups green cabbage, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 tablespoons water
Optional substitutions:
Use avocado oil instead of butter for a dairy-free or paleo version
Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor
Napa cabbage can be used instead of green cabbage
Bok choy works well as a substitute for kale
Directions
Place a large sauté pan with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the butter, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently while the butter melts.
Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the soy sauce and water, stirring to combine.
Add the broccoli florets to the pan first since they take the longest to cook. Layer the chopped cabbage over the broccoli, then add the kale on top.
Cover the pan with the lid and allow the vegetables to steam for 3 to 4 minutes. The broccoli should remain slightly crisp in the center while the kale softens.
Remove the lid and gently toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated in the flavorful garlic sauce.
Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Each serving contains approximately:
77 calories
7g carbohydrates
4g protein
3g fat
This dish is excellent for meal prep because it reheats quickly and stays flavorful throughout the week.
Variations
Add Protein
Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef strips.
Make It Spicier
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
Add More Vegetables
You can include snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for more variety and texture.
Use Sesame Flavor
Add a small drizzle of sesame oil before serving for a richer Asian-inspired flavor.
Sweet and Savory Version
A tiny splash of mirin or a teaspoon of honey can add a mild sweetness similar to restaurant-style vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover super greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the vegetables in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals.
Avoid overcooking during reheating so the vegetables maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing is not recommended because the vegetables may become watery and lose their crunch after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Simply replace the butter with avocado oil or vegan butter.
Are Panda Express Super Greens healthy?
Yes. They are packed with vitamins, fiber, and nutrients while remaining low in calories and carbohydrates.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended because frozen broccoli tends to become too soft during steaming.
What can I serve with super greens?
They pair well with rice, noodles, chicken dishes, beef stir-fries, or tofu meals.
Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time?
Yes. You can wash and chop all the vegetables in advance to save time during cooking.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Do not overcook them. Steam only until slightly tender while keeping some crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, but spinach cooks much faster, so add it during the final minute of cooking.
What does ground ginger add to the recipe?
Ground ginger gives the dish a warm and slightly spicy flavor that enhances the garlic sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pan or cook in batches to ensure the vegetables steam evenly.
Conclusion
This Panda Express Super Greens copycat recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy healthy vegetables at home. The combination of broccoli, kale, and cabbage creates a colorful side dish packed with flavor and nutrients. With its quick cooking time and easy preparation, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something fresh and satisfying. Whether served alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes or enjoyed on its own, these super greens are a tasty alternative to takeout that you’ll want to make again and again.
A quick and healthy copycat version of Panda Express Super Greens made with broccoli, kale, cabbage, garlic, and savory seasonings for a flavorful low-carb side dish.
Ingredients
6 cups kale, roughly chopped and lightly packed
4 cups broccoli florets
4 cups green cabbage, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 tablespoons water
Optional: avocado oil instead of butter
Optional: coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
Optional: napa cabbage instead of green cabbage
Optional: bok choy instead of kale
Instructions
Heat a large sauté pan with a lid over medium-high heat.
Add butter, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Cook garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce and water.
Add broccoli florets to the pan first.
Layer cabbage over broccoli, then top with kale.
Cover the pan and steam vegetables for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is slightly crisp-tender.
Remove lid and toss vegetables gently until coated in sauce.
Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Do not overcook vegetables to maintain their crisp texture.
Fresh broccoli works best for texture and flavor.
Use coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Sesame oil can be added for extra flavor.
Great for meal prep and reheats well.
Pair with chicken, tofu, shrimp, or rice dishes for a complete meal.
