Panda Express Menu Items Updates 2024
As you peruse the menu at your local Panda Express, the variety of enticing dishes can seem overwhelming. With so many options ranging from staple entrees to seasonal specialties, it helps to have a guide to what is offered. In this article, you’ll receive a breakdown of notable dishes across Panda Express menu items. Nutritional information will be provided to help inform your selections. Signature menu items, lighter choices, and new or limited offerings will all be covered. Arm yourself with knowledge before your next visit to make the most of your Panda Express experience. Whether you’re craving a tried and true favorite or want to experiment with something new, this overview will enable you to approach their menu with confidence.
Panda Express Menu and Most Popular Items
Rice and Noodles
Panda Express offers a variety of rice and noodle dishes, including Chow Mein, Beijing Beef, and Kung Pao Shrimp. The Chow Mein and Beijing Beef dishes feature stir-fried vegetables and your choice of beef, chicken, or shrimp served over rice noodles or steamed rice. The Kung Pao Shrimp dish consists of bell peppers, peanuts, chili peppers, and shrimp served over steamed rice.
Entrees
Some of the most popular Panda Express entree options are Orange Chicken, Sweet Fire Chicken Breast, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, and Honey Walnut Shrimp. The Orange Chicken features fried chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. The Sweet Fire Chicken Breast consists of diced chicken breast, bell peppers, and pineapples in a sweet and spicy garlic sauce. The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken offers grilled chicken breast glazed in a teriyaki marinade. Lastly, the Honey Walnut Shrimp features fried shrimp glazed in a honey sauce and topped with walnuts.
Sides
To complement your meal, consider classic sides like chow mein noodles, steamed rice, mixed veggies, or egg drop soup. The chow mein noodles and steamed rice provide a starchy base, while the mixed veggies offer a blend of stir-fried cabbage, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. The egg drop soup features a chicken-based broth with beaten egg and corn.
With a diverse array of Chinese-inspired rice, noodle, and entree dishes made from fresh ingredients, Panda Express aims to provide delicious and nutritious options for all customers seeking a quick Asian-themed meal. By offering familiar favorites along with more authentic alternatives, Panda Express has become a leader in casual Asian dining.
Panda Express Entrees – Chicken, Beef, and Seafood Options
Orange Chicken
One of Panda Express’s most popular dishes is Orange Chicken. It consists of crispy chicken pieces wok-tossed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. A single entree order provides around 520 calories, 26 grams of protein, and 33 grams of carbohydrates. The orange chicken is moderately high in sodium at 1,520 milligrams per entree.
Kung Pao Shrimp
For seafood options, Panda Express offers Kung Pao Shrimp which features shrimp stir-fried in a spicy garlic sauce with diced bell peppers and chili peppers. A single serving has 370 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 32 grams of carbohydrates. The sodium content is also on the higher end at 1,780 milligrams. Those watching their sodium intake may want to ask for light sauce.
Beef and Broccoli
A classic Chinese takeout dish, Beef and Broccoli, is stir-fried beef with broccoli in a brown sauce. It is one of the lighter options with 330 calories, 29 grams of protein, and 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The sodium comes in at 1,260 milligrams which can fit into a balanced diet for some. For the health-conscious, Panda Express will gladly make it without the brown sauce upon request.
In summary, Panda Express provides a variety of classic Chinese-American entrees with chicken, beef, and seafood options to suit most tastes. However, many are high in sodium, so watch portion sizes and balance with non-starchy vegetables and brown rice. Lighter choices or customizing your order can help create a balanced meal. Asking for extra vegetables and light sauce are easy ways to boost nutrition and cut calories.
Panda Express Sides – Chow Mein, Fried Rice, Vegetables
Chow Mein
Chow mein is a popular side dish consisting of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat or tofu in a savory sauce. Panda Express offers Beef, Chicken, Shrimp or Vegetable Chow Mein. The chow mein sides contain 360 to 540 calories and 17 to 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a hearty side of rice stir-fried in a wok with eggs, vegetables like peas and carrots, and your choice of meat or tofu. Panda Express’s fried rice options include Beef, Chicken, Shrimp or Vegetable Fried Rice. A single serving of fried rice contains between 350 to 530 calories and 43 to 61 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling side choice.
Steamed Rice
For a lighter side, choose steamed rice. Panda Express’s steamed rice is simply rice that has been cooked by steaming. A single serving of steamed rice contains 200 calories and 45 grams of carbohydrates. Steamed rice makes a great accompaniment to Panda Express’s flavorful entrees and vegetable sides.
Mixed Vegetables
For a healthy, vegetarian side option, choose mixed vegetables. Panda Express’s mixed vegetables contain stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and bean sprouts in a light sauce. A serving of mixed vegetables has 110 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates and lots of vitamins A and C. Mixed vegetables are a nutritious way to add more veggies to your meal.
In summary, Panda Express offers a variety of side dishes to complement your entree, with options to suit any diet or taste. Choosing steamed rice, mixed vegetables or a lighter chow mein or fried rice is a great way to balance out a higher calorie entree. Panda Express aims to provide healthy, delicious options for all customers.
Specialty on the Panda Express Menu Items
Orange Chicken
A popular specialty entrée, Orange Chicken features crispy fried chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. The chicken is hand-battered and fried until crispy, then tossed in the signature orange sauce made of orange juice, rice vinegar, chili peppers, and spices. This dish is a favorite for those who enjoy the combination of sweet and spicy flavors. With around 530 calories per serving, Orange Chicken can be a filling choice.
Beijing Beef
For beef lovers, Beijing Beef is a recommended option with stir-fried beef, bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. Strips of beef flank steak are stir-fried in a wok with the vegetables and a garlic sauce made of soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, chili oil, and spices. The result is a hearty dish with a nice balance of flavors. At around 440 calories per serving, Beijing Beef can be part of a balanced meal.
Kung Pao Chicken or Shrimp
Kung Pao Chicken or Shrimp features diced chicken or shrimp, peanuts, bell peppers, dried chili peppers, and spices stir-fried in a wok. The dish gets heat from the chili peppers and a savory, nutty flavor from the peanuts and spices like garlic and ginger. Kung Pao Chicken has around 530 calories per serving, while the shrimp version has 370 calories, allowing either to be part of a balanced meal.
With many delicious options like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef or Kung Pao Chicken or Shrimp, the Panda Express specialty menu has something to satisfy most tastes. By choosing balanced portions and watching calorie counts, these dishes can absolutely be part of an overall healthy diet. Panda Express aims to make Chinese cuisine accessible to all, and these specialty items are no exception.
Nutrition Information for Panda Express Menu Items
Panda Express aims to provide nutritious menu options for their customers. However, some items may be high in calories, fat, sugar or salt. When dining at Panda Express, be mindful of portion sizes and consider balanced options with vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Entrees
Entrees like Orange Chicken, Sweet Fire Chicken Breast and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken can make good choices, with around 300 to 500 calories and at least 20 grams of protein per serving. For a heart-healthy option, choose Kung Pao Shrimp, which has 360 calories and 21 grams of protein. Beef and Broccoli is also nutritious, with 440 calories and 34 grams of protein per serving. Avoid higher calorie entrees like Mongolian Beef, with nearly 1000 calories per serving.
Sides
Steamed white or brown rice, mixed veggies and chow mein are balanced side options with 200-300 calories per serving. Lo Mein and fried rice can be higher in calories, around 400-500 per serving, so watch your portion sizes. Fresh salads with low-calorie dressings are your most nutritious choice.
Appetizers
Appetizers like egg rolls, crab rangoon, and honey walnut shrimp tend to be fried and higher in calories, around 300 to over 500 calories per serving. Choose spring rolls, potstickers or edamame for under 300 calories. Soups like egg drops or hot and sour soup can also be good options with around 200 calories per serving.
You can make nutritious choices that fit your dietary needs by selecting balanced options, watching your portion sizes, and avoiding excessively high-calorie menu items when dining at Panda Express. Check the company’s website for the latest nutrition information on all menu items.
Panda Express Menu Items with prices
Menu Item | Price ($) |
---|
Orange Chicken | 6.15 |
Beijing Beef | 6.25 |
Kung Pao Chicken | 6.35 |
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 5.95 |
Honey Walnut Shrimp | 7.75 |
Broccoli Beef | 6.10 |
Mushroom Chicken | 5.95 |
Black Pepper Angus Steak | 7.95 |
String Bean Chicken Breast | 6.05 |
SweetFire Chicken Breast | 6.20 |
FAQ’s About Panda Express Menu Items
What menu items are gluten-free?
Panda Express aims to provide options for customers with dietary restrictions. Several menu items are gluten-free, including:
- Steamed white and brown rice
- Chow fun rice noodles (without sauce)
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Eggplant tofu
- Grilled teriyaki chicken (without sauce)
- Beijing beef (without sauce)
- Mixed veggies
Please note that while Panda Express takes precautions to avoid cross-contamination, there is a possibility of exposure to trace amounts of gluten. Customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution.
Are there any vegan or vegetarian options?
Yes, Panda Express offers several meat-free and dairy-free options suitable for vegans and vegetarians, such as:
- Chow mein with mixed veggies
- Eggplant tofu
- Steamed rice and chow fun noodles
- Vegetable spring rolls
These items contain no animal products. However, some dishes are cooked in the same woks and oils as meat items, so strict vegans and vegetarians should be aware of potential cross-contamination.
Is Panda Express open for dine-in? Can I order takeout or delivery?
Currently, Panda Express locations offer takeout, drive-thru, and delivery options. Dine-in service is temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Customers can place an order on the Panda Express website or mobile app for takeout or delivery. Depending on your location, delivery is available through third-party services like Door Dash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. Panda Express aims to reopen dining rooms when health officials deem it safe to do so while following all recommended safety guidelines.
The customizable Build Your Own Plate concept also empowers you to tailor your meal. Keep these tips in mind to make smart menu choices at Panda Express based on your own preferences and dietary goals. Whether you are craving their famous Orange Chicken or want a lighter veggie plate, knowledge of the menu can help you enjoy your Panda Express meal.