Panda Express is an American fast food restaurant chain specializing in American Chinese cuisine. Founded in 1983 by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, it has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States. As of 2023, Panda Express operates over 2,000 locations across the country.
The restaurant chain offers a variety of Chinese-inspired dishes adapted to suit American tastes. Their menu includes popular items such as Orange Chicken, which has become one of their signature dishes. Panda Express is known for its quick service model and aims to provide affordable meals to its customers.
In addition to its food service operations, Panda Express engages in corporate social responsibility through its Panda Cares program. This initiative supports various charitable organizations and community projects. Panda Express has established itself as a significant player in the fast-casual dining industry, particularly within the American Chinese food segment.
Its widespread presence and brand recognition have made it a familiar name in Chinese-inspired fast food across the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Panda Express is a popular American Chinese fast food restaurant chain known for its quick service and flavorful dishes.
- Some of the most popular menu items at Panda Express include Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Chow Mein, and Fried Rice.
- Recreating Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is possible with a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques.
- Making Panda Express Beijing Beef at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the dish to your taste.
- Trying out Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken recipe at home can be a fun and delicious cooking experiment.
Popular Panda Express Menu Items
Classic Favorites
From timeless dishes like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef to more traditional options like Kung Pao Chicken and Chow Mein, Panda Express has something for everyone.
Signature Dishes
One of the most beloved menu items is the Orange Chicken, which features crispy, breaded chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This dish perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, making it a hit among both kids and adults alike. Another popular choice is the Beijing Beef, which consists of tender strips of beef stir-fried with bell peppers and onions in a savory and slightly spicy sauce.
Spicy Options
For those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dishes, the Kung Pao Chicken is a favorite. This classic Sichuan dish features diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers in a spicy and tangy sauce. The bold flavors and satisfying crunch of the peanuts make this dish a standout on the menu.
Recreating Panda Express Orange Chicken
Recreating Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is a great way to enjoy this beloved dish without having to leave the comfort of your own kitchen. To make this iconic dish, start by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, egg, and cornstarch. Once the chicken has marinated for at least 30 minutes, heat oil in a wok or skillet and fry the chicken until it is golden brown and crispy.
In a separate pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch to create the signature sweet and tangy orange sauce. Once the sauce has thickened, toss the fried chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated. For a healthier alternative, you can also bake the marinated chicken in the oven until it is crispy and then toss it in the homemade orange sauce.
Serve the Orange Chicken over steamed rice and garnish with green onions for an authentic Panda Express experience right in your own home. This homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken allows you to customize the level of sweetness and spice to suit your taste preferences while still capturing the essence of this classic dish.
Making Panda Express Beijing Beef at Home
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flank steak | 1 lb |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | 1 tsp, minced |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Green onions | 2, chopped |
Making Panda Express Beijing Beef at home is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy this flavorful dish without having to order takeout. To recreate this dish, start by slicing flank steak into thin strips and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Once the steak has marinated for at least 30 minutes, heat oil in a wok or skillet and stir-fry the beef until it is browned and cooked through.
In a separate pan, sauté bell peppers and onions until they are tender-crisp, then add the cooked beef back into the pan. To make the savory and slightly spicy sauce that Beijing Beef is known for, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that captures the bold flavors of Panda Express Beijing Beef right in your own kitchen. Serve this homemade Beijing Beef over steamed rice for a complete meal that will surely impress your family and friends.
Trying Out Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
Trying out Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken recipe at home is a great way to satisfy your craving for this classic dish while also having full control over the ingredients used. To make this dish, start by marinating diced chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Once the chicken has marinated for at least 30 minutes, heat oil in a wok or skillet and stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through.
In a separate pan, sauté peanuts, dried red chili peppers, and diced bell peppers until they are fragrant and slightly softened. To create the signature spicy and tangy sauce for Kung Pao Chicken, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that captures the bold flavors of Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken right in your own kitchen. Serve this homemade Kung Pao Chicken over steamed rice for an authentic Chinese meal that will surely impress your taste buds.
DIY Panda Express Chow Mein
Preparing the Noodles
Making DIY Panda Express Chow Mein at home is a great way to enjoy this classic side dish without having to order takeout. To recreate this dish, start by boiling fresh chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In a wok or skillet, heat oil and stir-fry shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until they are tender-crisp.
Creating the Savory Sauce
To make the savory and flavorful sauce for Chow Mein, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the cooked vegetables and add the cooked chow mein noodles into the pan.
Assembling and Serving
Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the vegetables are distributed throughout. The result is a delicious and satisfying side dish that captures the essence of Panda Express Chow Mein right in your own kitchen. Serve this homemade Chow Mein alongside your favorite Chinese entrees for a complete meal that will surely impress your family and friends.
Enjoying Panda Express Fried Rice in Your Kitchen
Enjoying Panda Express Fried Rice in your kitchen is a great way to elevate your homemade Chinese meals with this classic side dish. To make this dish at home, start by cooking long-grain white rice according to the package instructions until it is fluffy and tender. Once the rice is cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely before using it to make fried rice.
In a wok or skillet, heat oil and stir-fry diced onions, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs until they are cooked through. Add the cooled rice into the pan and stir-fry everything together until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy. To season the fried rice, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper to taste.
Toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the savory flavors of the seasonings. The result is a delicious and satisfying side dish that captures the essence of Panda Express Fried Rice right in your own kitchen. Serve this homemade Fried Rice alongside your favorite Chinese entrees for a complete meal that will surely impress your family and friends.
With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can enjoy all of your favorite Panda Express dishes without having to leave your home. Whether you’re craving Orange Chicken or Beijing Beef, these homemade versions allow you to customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences while still capturing the essence of these classic dishes. So why not try recreating some of these iconic Panda Express menu items at home today?
If you’re looking for more Asian-inspired recipes, check out this article on Abide and Conquer for some delicious and authentic dishes to try at home. From stir-fries to noodle dishes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to expand your culinary repertoire.
FAQs
What are some popular Panda Express recipes?
Some popular Panda Express recipes include Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, and Honey Walnut Shrimp.
Can I find Panda Express recipes online?
Yes, there are many websites and cooking blogs that offer copycat Panda Express recipes for those who want to recreate the dishes at home.
Are Panda Express recipes easy to make at home?
Many Panda Express recipes can be made at home with the right ingredients and cooking techniques. Some recipes may require special ingredients that can be found at Asian grocery stores.
Are Panda Express recipes healthy?
Panda Express recipes can be high in sodium, sugar, and fat. However, there are ways to modify the recipes to make them healthier, such as using less oil and sugar, and adding more vegetables.
What are some common ingredients in Panda Express recipes?
Common ingredients in Panda Express recipes include soy sauce, garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame oil, and various vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
Can I customize Panda Express recipes to my taste?
Yes, you can customize Panda Express recipes to your taste by adjusting the level of spiciness, sweetness, or adding extra vegetables or protein.