Taking a look at the vast number of Panda Express copycat recipes available online, it’s clear that their dishes are not only loved by many but also replicated in countless ways. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of Panda Express, which remains one of the largest and most well-known Chinese fast-food chains in the United States.
3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Surprisingly, the secret to Panda Express’s signature Orange Chicken lies in its simplicity. While it’s undeniable that the crispy, batter-coated chicken cutlets and sweet, citrusy glaze make for a mouth-watering combination, it’s remarkable how easily this dish can be recreated at home. With minimal effort required, you can indulge in a finger-licking good meal without breaking the bank or sacrificing flavor. The best part?
It only takes three essential ingredients to bring this culinary masterpiece to life.
Panda Express Chow Mein
Loved by many for its simplicity and flavor, chow mein is always a hit in my household. Long strands of noodles are bathed in a sweet and savory sauce, loaded with shredded cabbage, celery, and onions that add texture and crunch to each bite. It’s not only hearty and delicious but also a complete meal on its own, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
One of the best parts is that this copycat recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes, ideal even on the most hectic of days when time is of the essence.
Beef and Broccoli
Zestfully combining beef and broccoli creates a harmonious culinary experience. Firstly, their contrasting colors immediately pique our appetite. The satisfying crunch of the broccoli and the rich juiciness of the beef complement each other beautifully. However, it’s the thick, savory sauce that elevates this dish to new heights of deliciousness. Crafted with a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, this sauce masterfully embodies the essence of Asian flavors.
Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry
Elevate your mealtime by trying out this healthier version of the classic Panda stir fry recipe. Instead of relying on high-calorie ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying dish using chicken cutlets, zucchini, and mushrooms, all stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce that’s infused with sesame oil and topped with sesame seeds for added crunch.
This clever copycat recipe requires just one skillet and 20 minutes of your time to prepare, making it an ideal solution for busy households or those who want a quick yet nutritious meal. The best part? This version is surprisingly wholesome, allowing you to indulge in the flavors of the original without compromising on health.
Sweet Fire Chicken
Foodies will love adding some excitement to their mealtime with this delectable fire chicken! The combination of crunchy, juicy chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, sweet, and spicy glaze is nothing short of amazing. Chili sauce, red pepper flakes, and chunks of pineapple come together in perfect harmony to create a sauce that’s ridiculously delicious.
This dish offers the ideal balance of textures and flavors, with the crispy exterior giving way to tender meat, all perfectly complemented by the savory taste of the chicken. Just thinking about enjoying this mouth-watering meal with a side of steaming hot rice is making my stomach growl with anticipation.
Beijing Beef
Yearning for a flavor that’s just right, Beijing beef is another popular item at Panda, and it’s easy to see why. Yummy crispy beef strips and vibrant vegetables are perfectly balanced by a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. While the orange chicken may be too sweet for some, this dish offers a great alternative – the crushed red peppers add just the right touch of heat to the sauce, making it a delight to devour.
Panda Express Fried Rice
Ultimately, fried rice is an indispensable component of any Panda dining experience. It’s hard to imagine finishing a meal without it. In fact, the sauce from dishes like orange chicken or beef and broccoli seems to be made for pairing with the savory goodness of fried rice. A Panda meal simply isn’t complete without this staple side dish. If you’re planning to try a Panda copycat recipe at home, don’t overlook adding fried rice to your menu – it makes all the difference!
Panda Express Super Greens
Health-conscious foodies may be surprised to learn that Panda Express offers some surprisingly wholesome options, including their super greens. This delightful side dish is made by coating kale, cabbage, and broccoli in a savory garlic sauce. Its simplicity belies its nutritional value, making it an excellent choice to pair with any of Panda’s meat and rice entrees.
Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken
Just like the original dish, this copycat recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. In fact, it can be made in just 15 minutes using minimal equipment – a single skillet will suffice.
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Understanding the allure of this unique combination is key to unlocking its full potential. Underpinning it all are the undeniable charms of shrimp – these tantalizing crustaceans bring a natural sweetness and snappy texture that’s hard to resist. When you add a sweet and creamy sauce to the mix, and then top them with crunchy walnuts, the result is nothing short of phenomenal. This recipe has a certain je ne sais quoi that sets it apart from the rest – it truly is one for the books!
The harmony of flavors and textures here is a masterclass in culinary balance.
Panda Express Chicken and Green Beans
Taking centre stage in this Chinese-inspired dish are bite-sized chicken cutlets and crunchy green beans, expertly tossed together with a fragrant ginger soy sauce. While the ingredients may seem straightforward, the end result is anything but ordinary – the combination is surprisingly simple yet undeniably effective.
The sauce itself is a masterclass in balance and depth, comprising a harmonious blend of broth, soy sauce, white wine, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar that elevates the dish to new heights.
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Sprinkled with vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors, kung pao chicken is a delectable dish that combines succulent chicken and an assortment of vegetables in a rich and savory sauce. This mouth-watering creation is elevated by a carefully crafted blend of Asian ingredients, including Hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, and tamari, which work harmoniously together to produce a flavor so sublime that you’ll want to linger over every last drop.
Panda Express Eggplant Tofu
Generating the perfect vegan replica of a beloved classic requires careful attention to detail, particularly when it comes to texture and flavor profiles. In this case, creamy eggplant, silky tofu, and a ridiculously rich sauce combine to create a dish that’s so satisfying it can give even its meat-based counterparts a run for their money.
Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce
Taking a cue from the popularity of Panda’s sweet and sour sauce, many enthusiasts have been searching for ways to recreate it at home. Fortunately, making your own version is easier than you think with this simple recipe. By doing so, you can enjoy the tangy flavor on various dishes, such as pork, chicken, beef, fish, or any other food that suits your taste.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
