Color! Texture! Beautiful food in a bowl! That’s this Panda Express copycat list.
There’s so much good going on here, guys. We’ve got all the must-haves, the crowd-pleasers, and the ones that just make you happy.
1. Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey, walnuts, and shrimp? YES. Just yes. Let’s be real, shrimp is already a top-tier food. We’re talking sweet, plump, snappy gifts from the ocean.
Now, what happens when you toss them in a creamy, sweet sauce and shower them with walnuts? You get something truly next-level. This one is going in my forever files!
2. Beijing Beef
Okay, let’s talk about Beijing Beef. It’s a fan favorite for a reason, right? Who can even walk by those crispy strips of beef and vibrant veggies, all swimming in a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once?
If Orange Chicken is just a little too sweet for you, this is THE WAY TO GO. That little kick of spice from the crushed red peppers is just perfection.
3. Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
Oh my goodness. These appetizers are just so addicting. We’re talking crispy wontons fried to perfection, filled with a creamy mix of cream cheese and green onions.
I mean, COME ON. It’s that crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, creamy center. It’s a texture wonderland, and I am so here for it.
4. Sweet Fire Chicken
Time to add a little fire to your dinner rotation with this sweet fire chicken! We’re talking crispy chicken pieces completely drenched in a thick glaze that’s both sweet and spicy.
The sauce is a ridiculously tasty combo of chili sauce, red pepper flakes, and chunks of pineapple. It’s the absolute perfect contrast to the savory, crispy chicken.
Just thinking about this piled over a bowl of steamy rice is making me so hungry.
5. Panda Express Chow Mein
Chow mein is ALWAYS a winner in my house. It’s got long, twirly noodles swimming in a sweet and savory sauce, loaded up with shredded cabbage, celery, and onions.
It is hearty, delicious, and a total meal all by itself. But the best part? This copycat comes together in just 20 minutes! It’s an absolute lifesaver on those super busy weeknights.
6. Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
Let’s get right down to it: Egg rolls are a must-order every single time I hit up Panda Express. I’m just a sucker for those crispy, crunchy rolls.
The moment you take a bite, you get that amazing filling of tender, flavorful chicken and veggies. And when you dip them in some sweet and sour sauce? Game over. Pure joy.
7. Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Chicken
To me, teriyaki sauce is just pure gold. That sweet glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar is just heavenly. While I love the classic Japanese version, I’m also completely obsessed with the Mandarin style.
Adding garlic, lemon juice, and ginger brings such a bright flavor to the party. I was so bummed when Panda swapped this out, but thank goodness this copycat recipe is a total home run!
8. Panda Express Fried Rice
Is a trip to Panda even complete without an order of fried rice? It’s one of those staples you just can’t skip. Honestly, what is orange chicken or beef and broccoli without a pile of fried rice to soak up all that glorious sauce?
A meal from Panda just isn’t the same without it. So if you’re making a copycat dinner, you absolutely need to make this too! This recipe is everything.
9. Black Pepper Chicken
Don’t let the long ingredient list fool you; this copycat is ridiculously easy to make. I’m talking 15 minutes and one skillet, and you are SET.
Chicken pieces and veggies get stir-fried in a savory and spicy glaze made with oyster sauce, ginger, black pepper, and vinegar. YUM.
10. Panda Express Super Greens
Panda Express isn’t exactly famous for being healthy, but there are a few wholesome gems on the menu.
Case in point: these super greens. You’ve got kale, cabbage, and broccoli all coated in a yummy garlic sauce.
It’s a simple side that’s both delicious and packed with nutrition. It goes perfectly with any of their meat and rice dishes!
11. Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Hello and happy flavor day to you! Because this Kung Pao Chicken is a flavor all-star. It’s a beautiful dish with chicken and veggies swimming in a sweet and spicy sauce.
The sauce itself is a combo of amazing Asian ingredients like Hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, and tamari, and it’s so good you’ll want to get every last drop.
12. Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry
If you’re craving that classic Panda stir-fry but want to feel good about it, this recipe is a total winner.
Chicken pieces, zucchini, and mushrooms get stir-fried in a sweet and savory sauce, then finished with sesame oil and sesame seeds. You only need one skillet and 20 minutes to whip this up.
And oh my gosh, it is seriously yummy! Because we’re making smarter choices with the ingredients, it’s way more wholesome than the original.
13. Panda Express Chicken and Green Beans
Bite-sized chicken pieces and crunchy green beans get tossed in a ginger soy sauce. It might sound basic, but trust me, it’s a flavor bomb.
Like with a lot of Chinese dishes, the sauce is where the magic happens. It’s a mix of broth, soy sauce, white wine, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Of course, it’s mind-blowingly good!
14. Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce
If you’re like me and constantly crave Panda’s amazing sweet and sour sauce, you’re not alone. With this super easy recipe, you can make a batch at home.
That means you can drizzle it over absolutely everything! We’re talking pork, chicken, beef, fish, you name it. Life is good.
15. Panda Express Eggplant Tofu
Creamy eggplant, silky tofu, and a completely ridiculous sauce are the stars of this Panda copycat.
It’s an all-veggie dish, but it’s so good it could go head-to-head with any of the meat dishes on this list. It is a thing of beauty.
