17 Panda Express Copycat Recipes (2024)

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This list is your one-stop-shop for the most appetizing Panda Express copycat recipes!

There are tons of copycat Panda recipes online, so I thought why not create a round-up of the best of the best?

17 Panda Express Copycat Recipes (1)

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Panda Express is perhaps the largest and most popular Chinese fast-food chain in the United States.

Because its offerings are too darn delicious, there’s a myriad of copycat recipes you’ll find.

There are far too many to choose from, so I decided to narrow things down for you.

From hearty chow mein to the ever-popular orange chicken, here are the best Panda Express copycat recipes you can make at home.

1. 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is arguably the most popular menu item at Panda Express. How can it not be?

From the crispy, batter-coated chicken cutlets to the sweet and citrusy glaze, it’s finger-licking delicious.

That said, it’s hard to believe that this sensational dish is easy to recreate, but it is.

In fact, all you’ll need are three ingredients. How awesome is that?

2. Panda Express Chow Mein

Chow mein is always a hit in my household.

Long strands of noodles are bathed in a sweet and savory sauce and loaded with shredded cabbage, celery, and onions.

It’s hearty, delicious, and a complete meal on its own.

Here’s the best part. This copycat only takes 20 minutes to make! It’s perfect even on busy days.

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3. Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli make such a great pair. First of all, the color contrast between the two is already appetizing.

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The crunch from the broccoli and the juiciness of the beef go great together, too.

But what makes this dish insanely delicious is the thick, savory sauce.

Made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, it showcases just how tasty Asian flavors are.

4. Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry

If you’re in the mood for the classic Panda stir fry, but don’t want all the calories that come with it, this recipe is the one to beat.

Chicken cutlets, zucchini, and mushrooms are stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce and garnished with sesame oil and sesame seeds.

One skillet and 20 minutes are all you’ll need to whip up this copycat stir-fry.

And oh my God, it’s seriously delish! But because we’re making smart choices with the ingredients, it’s a lot more wholesome than the original.

5. Sweet Fire Chicken

Add some spice to your lunch or dinner with this sweet fire chicken!

Crispy chicken cutlets are drenched in a thick, sweet, and spicy glaze.

The combination of chili sauce, red pepper flakes, and pineapple chunks makes the sauce ridiculously tasty.

It’s the perfect contrast to the crispy and savory chicken.

The thought of eating this dish with rice already makes my mouth water.

6. Beijing Beef

Beijing beef is another popular item at Panda, and for good reason.

How can anyone resist those crispy beef strips and colorful vegetables bathed in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce?

If you find the orange chicken way too sweet, this one’s a good alternative.

You’ll love the touch of spice the crushed red peppers add to the sauce.

7. Panda Express Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of those staples that you always have to buy whenever dining at Panda.

You just can’t leave the chain without it! It’s an absolute must.

Honestly, what good is orange chicken or beef and broccoli without fried rice soaking up all that sauce?

A Panda meal is just not the same without it.

So if you decide to go for a Panda copycat for lunch or dinner, don’t forget to make fried rice, too! This recipe has you covered.

8. Panda Express Super Greens

Panda Express food isn’t exactly known for being healthy, but there are a few wholesome options in there, too. Case in point: the super greens.

Kale, cabbage, and broccoli are coated in garlic sauce.

It’s a simple side dish that’s delicious and nutritious at the same time. It’s perfect with any of Panda’s meat and rice entrees!

9. Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Chicken

To me, teriyaki is perfection. That sweet glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar is just pure heaven.

While nothing beats the original Japanese glaze, I’m also in love with its Mandarin version.

The addition of garlic, lemon juice, and ginger adds such a bright flavor.

So when Panda replaced the Mandarin teriyaki with regular teriyaki, I was bummed. Fortunately, this copycat recipe is pretty spot on!

10. Black Pepper Chicken

The ingredients list may be long, but this copycat is a breeze to make. Seriously, all you’ll need are 15 minutes and a skillet.

Chicken cutlets and vegetables are stir-fried with a savory and spicy glaze of oyster sauce, ginger, black pepper, and vinegar. Yum.

11. Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Shrimp, honey, and walnuts? Now that sounds like a perfect combination.

Even on its own, shrimp is amazing. These sweet, snappy, and plump crustaceans are gifts from the sea.

Toss them in a sweet and creamy sauce and top them in walnuts, and you’ll get an insanely phenomenal dish. This recipe is one for the books!

12. Panda Express Chicken and Green Beans

Bite-sized chicken cutlets and crunchy green beans are tossed with ginger soy sauce. It sounds basic, but it definitely delivers.

Like most Chinese dishes, the sauce is what takes the dish to the next level.

It’s a mix of broth, soy sauce, white wine, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, so of course, it’s mind-blowingly delicious!

13. Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung pao chicken is a colorful dish of chicken and vegetables bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce.

A combination of delicious Asian ingredients such as Hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, and tamari, the sauce is so good, you’ll want to savor it to the last drop.

14. Panda Express Eggplant Tofu

Creamy eggplant, silky tofu, and a ridiculous sauce star this Panda copycat.

It may be all-veggie, but it’s so good it can rival any meat dish on this list.

15. Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce

If you find yourself always craving Panda’s delicious sweet and sour sauce, you’re not alone.

Make your very own at home with this easy recipe.

That way, you can drizzle it on any food you want! Pork, chicken, beef, fish – you name it.

16. Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon

Crispy fried wontons are filled with cream cheese and green onions. Man, this appetizer is extremely addictive.

It’s crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and delicious in every bite.

17. Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are another must-order for me whenever I’m at Panda Express. There’s nothing like these crispy, crunchy rolls.

Once you bite into them, you’re greeted with tender, flavorful chicken and vegetables.

Dip them in sweet and sour sauce, and you’re golden!

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17 Best Panda Express Copycats

These Panda Express copycat recipes make it easy to have your favorites at home! From chow mein to orange chicken to beef and broccoli, skip takeout and make your own feast!

Instructions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a Panda Express dish in 30 minutes or less!
17 Panda Express Copycat Recipes (4)

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17 Panda Express Copycat Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What oil does Panda Express use? ›

Panda Express entrees and sides contain zero grams of trans fat per serving and adds no MSG in their food. Panda Express uses only 100% pure soybean oil in the preparation of recipes.

Does Panda Express use oyster sauce? ›

You can easily find these noodles in the international aisle of your grocery store or in your local Asian market. The other critical ingredient that Panda Express uses in their Chow Mein is oyster sauce. Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown sauce made from the extract of fresh oysters along with sugar, salt, and water.

Are the super greens at Panda Express healthy? ›

It's almost always a good idea to give veggies prime real estate on your plate—which is why the super greens side gets our vote as the best side dish at Panda Express. As a side dish, this menu item contains 90 calories, 3g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 10g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, 6g protein, and 260mg sodium.

Does Panda Express use eggs in fried rice? ›

FRIED RICE

Steamed white rice with soy sauce, eggs, peas, carrots and green onions.

What makes chow mein taste like chow mein? ›

Simple sauce: While chow mein sauce is unbelievably easy to make, it still brings a complexity of flavors to the dish. The careful combination of ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce and sugar results in a chow mein sauce that has hints of both savory and sweet notes.

Who owns Panda Express? ›

Andrew and Peggy Cherng are cofounders of the $3.5 billion (sales) Chinese fast food chain, Panda Express, which has over 2,200 locations. The Cherngs also run famed ramen house, Ippudo, in Berkeley, CA and have investments in chains that sell everything from pizza, salad and cheesecake.

What kind of noodles are used at Panda Express? ›

Panda express uses Stir Fried Wheat Noodles similar to these. I used these Chow Mein noodles for this recipe. You can find them in your local grocery store where they have a dedicated section for Asian ingredients.

What is the unhealthiest thing at Panda Express? ›

The #1 worst Panda Express order is…the Chow Mein and Orange Chicken. The combination of Orange Chicken, a dish inspired by a Chinese dish called chen pi niu rou, and classic chow mein stir-fried noodles is nothing short of delicious. Unfortunately, if it's a nutritious meal you're on the hunt for, this one isn't it.

What is the healthiest thing to eat at Panda Express? ›

Here are the healthiest Panda Express menu options that go lighter on calories, sodium, sugar, and fat, and load up on protein and veggies.
  • String Bean Chicken Breast. ...
  • Black Pepper Angus Steak. ...
  • Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. ...
  • Firecracker Shrimp. ...
  • Grilled Teriyaki Cub Meal. ...
  • Mushroom Chicken. ...
  • Super Greens. ...
  • Brown Steamed Rice.
Feb 20, 2024

What can a diabetic eat at Panda Express? ›

A healthier option from Panda Express includes the nutritious 'Mushroom Chicken' that has just 170 calories and 11 g of total carbs and just 1 teaspoon (4 g) of sugar. Another choice is their 'Black Pepper Chicken' that weighs in at 280 calories and 14 g of total carbs.

What's the difference between chow mein and chop suey? ›

With chow mein, you cook noodles and add them to your wok of other ingredients, cooking everything together in one pan. However, with a chop suey recipe, you will cook the noodles or rice and other ingredients separately before combining them in a bowl, serving up the noodles or rice with the sauce served over the top.

What's the difference between lo mein and chow mein? ›

Lo mein usually uses the fat, chewy noodles, while chow mein uses the thin type of noodles that sometimes contain egg.” Lo mein uses fresh noodles that are boiled for a few minutes, while chow mein uses dried noodles that are parboiled for five to six minutes.

Does Panda Express have MSG? ›

Panda prepares its entrees fresh with shared cooking equipment and therefore allergens could be present in any entrée. No MSG added except for that naturally occurring in certain ingredients. *Regional Entrée, which may vary by location.

What kind of oil do most Chinese restaurants use? ›

Chinese cooks normally use soybean oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil, all of which have a high smoke point. Peanut oil usually has a pleasant nutty flavor and is suitable not only for stir-frying but also for deep-frying.

Is Panda Express safe for peanut allergy? ›

Panda Express uses ingredients that contain all major FDA allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame). Panda prepares its entrees fresh with shared cooking equipment and therefore allergens could be present in any entrée.

What kind of oil does Chipotle use? ›

Rice bran oil is our primary cooking oil at Chipotle.

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