Are you craving the bold flavors and savory aromas of your favorite Chinese restaurant, but don’t have time to dine out? Look no further! We’ve got a treat for you – 18 mouth-watering Panda Express recipes that you can master in the comfort of your own kitchen. From Orange Chicken with Crispy Coating to Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts and Chili, we’re diving into the secrets behind these beloved dishes.
In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through each recipe, sharing tips and tricks for achieving that signature Panda Express flavor at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are sure to become fast favorites in your household. So grab your wok, heat up those stir-fry skills, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate Panda Express culinary experience!
Orange Chicken with Crispy Coating
A sweet and savory twist on traditional Chinese takeout, this orange chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Crunchy breading and tender chicken are coated in a tangy orange sauce for a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in eggs and then coat with flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dredge floured chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook coated chicken for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
6. In a separate saucepan, combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Add cooked chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat with orange glaze.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beijing Beef with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
This classic Chinese-American dish combines tender beef strips with a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles. With its bold flavors and quick cooking time, this recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 cup sweet and spicy sauce (see below)
– 1 cup cooked rice or noodles
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, and sweet and spicy sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the beef is cooked through.
7. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Walnut Shrimp with Candied Walnuts
This recipe combines the flavors of sweet honey, savory shrimp, and crunchy candied walnuts for a unique and delicious seafood dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup candied walnuts (see below for candying instructions)
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the honey mixture.
4. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
6. While the shrimp is cooking, sprinkle candied walnuts over the top of each shrimp.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Candying Walnuts:
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Bake for 10-12 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned.
– Remove from the oven and let cool completely before chopping into smaller pieces.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts and Chili
This classic Chinese dish is a flavorful combination of marinated chicken, crunchy peanuts, and spicy chili peppers. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a mouth-numbingly good meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup peanuts
– 3-4 dried red chili peppers, crushed or 1-2 fresh Thai chilies, sliced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for at least 10 minutes.
2. Heat wok or large skillet over high heat. Add peanuts and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from wok and set aside.
4. In the same wok, add crushed chilies, onion, and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
5. Return chicken to wok and stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Black Pepper Angus Steak with Vegetables
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of black pepper-crusted Angus steak with a medley of sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs Black Pepper Angus steak ( Ribeye or Strip loin work well)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Add sliced onion, garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
5. Place the steak back in the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the steak reaches desired doneness.
6. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with the sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
SweetFire Chicken Breast with Pineapple
SweetFire Chicken Breast with Pineapple Recipe
Introducing a tropical twist on classic chicken breast!
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using). Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
5. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top of each breast before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Shanghai Angus Steak with Garlic Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Shanghai’s culinary scene with this mouthwatering recipe that combines tender Angus steak with a rich and savory garlic sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs Angus steak (preferably ribeye or strip loin)
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and sesame oil.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. In a separate pan, cook garlic in a little oil until fragrant and golden brown.
5. Remove the steak from the oven and brush with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
6. Serve the steak with the garlic sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Glazed Sauce
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this sweet and savory teriyaki-inspired recipe, featuring a sticky glazed sauce to coat every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with the glaze.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush chicken with vegetable oil.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Eggplant Tofu with Savory Garlic Sauce
This recipe combines the rich flavor of eggplant with the savory goodness of garlic and the creaminess of tofu, making it a perfect vegan dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and crumbled
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the eggplant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.
5. Add crumbled tofu to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and salt. Cook for an additional minute.
7. Serve eggplant slices topped with savory garlic sauce.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chow Mein with Stir-Fried Noodles and Veggies
A classic Chinese dish, this recipe combines stir-fried noodles with a colorful medley of vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chow mein noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snow peas)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add mixed veggies; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce; stir-fry until combined and heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fried Rice with Eggs and Scallions
A classic Chinese dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Fried Rice with Eggs and Scallions is a great way to use up leftover rice. With the addition of scrambled eggs and crispy scallions, it’s a satisfying meal any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Push the onion aside and add the garlic; cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through.
5. Mix in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.
6. Stir in the chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is heated through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
String Bean Chicken with Ginger Soy Sauce
A flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the tender texture of chicken with the sweetness of string beans, all wrapped up in a savory ginger soy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet. Add garlic, ginger, and green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Return chicken to skillet. Pour in soy sauce and honey. Stir to combine.
5. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Broccoli Beef with Tender Flank Steak
This recipe combines the savory flavors of beef and broccoli with a hint of Asian-inspired seasonings, all wrapped up in tender flank steak. It’s an easy and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the flank steak.
4. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, toss broccoli with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Add broccoli to grill pan and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
7. Slice grilled steak against the grain and serve with steamed broccoli.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Sesame Chicken with Sticky Honey Glaze
Get ready to satisfy your sweet and savory cravings with this mouthwatering Sesame Chicken recipe, topped with a sticky honey glaze that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat; let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until glaze thickens slightly.
8. Brush the sticky honey glaze over the baked chicken and garnish with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wok-Fried Shrimp with Spicy Sauce
Quickly stir-fry succulent shrimp in a spicy sauce, perfect for a flavorful and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add vegetable oil, onion, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Pour the spicy sauce into the wok; stir-fry to coat the shrimp evenly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Dip
These crispy spring rolls are filled with a colorful mix of vegetables and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re easy to make and fun to customize.
Ingredients:
For the spring rolls:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section)
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup cooked and mashed tofu
– Salt to taste
For the sweet chili dip:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Fill each spring roll wrapper with about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll up the wrappers tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
4. Cook the spring rolls in batches until crispy and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
5. For the sweet chili dip, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
6. Serve the spring rolls hot with the sweet chili dip for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms
This classic Chinese soup is a staple of Szechuan cuisine, combining the bold flavors of chili peppers, soy sauce, and vinegar with the savory richness of tofu and mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add tofu, mushrooms, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fortune Cookies with Vanilla and Almond
Create crunchy and flavorful fortune cookies infused with the sweetness of vanilla and the nutty taste of almonds. Perfect for a unique dessert or snack, these cookies are sure to bring good luck!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– Fortune cookie messages (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes or use a fortune cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these 18 flavorful Panda Express recipes! From classic favorites like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef, to innovative dishes like Honey Walnut Shrimp and Sesame Chicken, there’s something for every taste bud. With recipes ranging from sweet and spicy sauces to savory stir-fries, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Plus, discover how to make your own Fortune Cookies at home! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these Panda Express-inspired dishes are sure to delight. Dive in and start cooking today!
