The Heart of the Menu: Signature Entrees and Timeless Classics
The core of the Panda Express experience lies in its wide selection of hot, fresh entrees, all prepared in a searing-hot wok. When you order a Bowl, Plate, or Bigger Plate, you get to choose from a dazzling array of meats, vegetables, and flavorful sauces.
The Top 5 Most Popular Entrees You Must Try
For many patrons, a visit to Panda Express isn’t complete without one of these top-selling, fan-favorite entrees.
| Entree | Description | Key Flavor Profile | Calorie Range (Approx. per Entree Serving) |
| 1. The Original Orange Chicken | Crispy, battered chicken pieces wok-tossed in a sweet and spicy orange peel sauce. This is Panda Express’s most famous, signature dish. | Sweet, Tangy, Spicy | 380 – 510 cal |
| 2. Beijing Beef | Crispy strips of beef, bell peppers, and onions tossed in a sweet-tangy sauce with a hint of spice. | Sweet, Tangy, Crispy | 480 cal |
| 3. Broccoli Beef | Tender beef and fresh, crisp broccoli florets tossed in a light ginger soy sauce. It’s a classic for a reason. | Savory, Light Soy | 150 cal |
| 4. Honey Walnut Shrimp | Large, tempura-battered shrimp wok-tossed in a creamy, sweet honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts. (Premium Item) | Sweet, Creamy, Crunchy | 360 – 430 cal |
| 5. Mushroom Chicken | Sliced chicken breast, mushrooms, and zucchini stir-fried in a soy and ginger sauce. A lighter, savory favorite. | Umami, Savory Ginger | 170 – 220 cal |
Other Crowd-Pleasing Entrees
Beyond the top sellers, Panda Express consistently offers other high-quality entrees that are worth adding to your plate:
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Simple, grilled chicken thigh, hand-sliced and served with teriyaki sauce. A great protein-packed choice.
- Black Pepper Chicken: Marinated chicken with celery and onions in a bold, rich black pepper sauce.
- Kung Pao Chicken: A Szechwan-inspired dish featuring chicken, peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables for a spicy kick.
- String Bean Chicken Breast: Chicken breast, fresh string beans, and onions in a light ginger-soy sauce. Another Wok Smart option.
Making Healthier Choices on the Panda Express Menu
One of the great features of Panda Express is its commitment to offering dishes that fit a variety of dietary preferences. The Wok Smart designation makes it easy for customers to identify entrees that contain 300 calories or less and at least 9 grams of protein per single serving.
If you’re looking to reduce calories, fat, or carbohydrates, building your meal around these entrees and sides is the smart way to go:
Top Wok Smart Entrees (Under 300 Calories)
- Broccoli Beef (150 cal): The lowest-calorie entree.
- Mushroom Chicken (220 cal): Lean protein and vegetables.
- String Bean Chicken Breast (210 cal): A fresh and flavorful choice.
- Black Pepper Angus Steak (210 cal): A premium option that remains relatively low-calorie.
- Kung Pao Chicken (290 cal): Offers a spicy flavor without excessive calories.
Wok Smart Sides: The Ultimate Base
The foundation of any healthy Panda Express meal starts with the side.
- Super Greens (80-130 cal): A simple mix of steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage. This is the absolute best low-carb, low-calorie side.
- Mixed Vegetables (35 cal): For an entree portion, this is extremely low-calorie and a fantastic way to boost your veggie intake.
- White Steamed Rice (380 cal): While higher in calories than Super Greens, it is lower in fat and sodium than the Fried Rice or Chow Mein.
Wok Smart Tip: To craft the ultimate low-calorie meal, order a Bowl with Super Greens as your side and choose two Wok Smart entrees like Broccoli Beef and Mushroom Chicken.
Read also this: Streaming Community
Perfecting Your Plate: Sides and Appetizers
The sides and appetizers are just as crucial to the Panda Express experience as the entrees. Choosing the right combination can complete your meal and satisfy all your texture and flavor desires.
Essential Panda Express Sides
Choosing your side is the first step in building your plate.
- Chow Mein (510-600 cal): Stir-fried wheat noodles with onions, celery, and cabbage. It’s the most popular side, known for its savory, slightly smoky flavor.
- Fried Rice (520-620 cal): Steamed white rice with soy sauce, eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions. A hearty, flavorful staple.
- White Steamed Rice (380-520 cal): The classic, clean base for soaking up all the entree sauce.
- Brown Steamed Rice (420 cal): A whole-grain, fiber-rich alternative available at most locations.
- Super Greens (80-130 cal): The low-carb, vegetable-heavy champion of the sides.
Appetizers and Extras
These additions provide a satisfying crunch or a sweet/savory boost.
- Cream Cheese Rangoon (190 cal for 3 pcs): Crispy fried wontons filled with smooth, sweet cream cheese. An essential side indulgence.
- Vegetable Spring Roll (240 cal for 2 rolls): Crispy rolls packed with cabbage, celery, carrots, and Chinese noodles.
- Chicken Egg Roll (200 cal): A savory, crisp egg roll filled with cabbage, carrots, green onions, and chicken.
- Hot & Sour Soup (120 cal per cup): A classic Chinese soup with silken tofu, mushrooms, and a pleasant, vinegary kick.
Decoding the Panda Express “Secret Menu”
While not as extensive or rigid as other fast-food secret menus, Panda Express has a few beloved customizations and off-menu items that have gained legendary status among fans. Asking for these items may sometimes depend on the location or the availability of ingredients, but it’s always worth a try!
The Most Talked-About “Secret” Items:
- Orange Chicken Burrito: A clever mashup that takes the fan-favorite Orange Chicken, scoops it with rice or chow mein, and wraps it all up in a warm flour tortilla. Ask for an empty tortilla and build it yourself, or ask your server politely.
- Brown Rice: Although now officially on the menu at many locations due to increased demand, brown rice was once a “secret” healthy request. If you don’t see it, be sure to ask—it’s a great whole-grain base.
- “Half & Half” Sides: This is the least secret but most essential customization. Don’t want just one side? Ask for half Chow Mein and half Fried Rice (or half Chow Mein and half Super Greens!) to get the best of both worlds without paying for an extra side.
- Mixing Entrees: Don’t be afraid to ask for a small scoop of a second entree on top of your main choice. For example, a base of Mushroom Chicken topped with a small amount of Honey Walnut Shrimp for an added flavor profile.
Feeding the Whole Crew: Panda Express Family Meals and Value
Panda Express is a highly popular choice for families and groups thanks to its excellent value meal bundles. These options are perfect for dinner, game days, or casual get-togethers.
The Panda Express Family Meal
The Family Meal is typically the best value for feeding a group of four to five people. While prices can vary by location (often starting around $40-$45), the contents remain consistent:
- Choose Two Large Sides: (e.g., Chow Mein, Fried Rice, White Rice, Super Greens)
- Choose Three Large Entrees: (You can select popular items like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, or Wok Smart options. Premium items like Honey Walnut Shrimp may incur a small upcharge per item.)
This structure allows you to mix and match to satisfy everyone, from the picky eater to the spice-lover, ensuring a complete and cost-effective spread.
Other Meal Types & Pricing Tiers
The individual plate options are structured to cater to different levels of hunger:
- Bowl: 1 Side + 1 Entree
- Plate: 1 Side + 2 Entrees (The most popular choice for a satisfying single meal)
- Bigger Plate: 1 Side + 3 Entrees (For those with a bigger appetite or wanting to try more dishes)
- Panda Cub Meal™: A kid-friendly portion that includes a Jr. Side, Jr. Entree, a fruit side, and bottled water or kid’s juice.
Panda Express Nutrition & Calorie Count
While the full nutrition details are always available on the official Panda Express website, it’s helpful to have a quick comparison for making informed, in-the-moment choices.
| Menu Item (Single Entree/Side Serving) | Calories (Approx.) | Protein (g) (Approx.) | Total Fat (g) (Approx.) | Carbs (g) (Approx.) | Wok Smart? |
| Orange Chicken | 490 | 26 | 24 | 53 | ❌ |
| Beijing Beef | 480 | 14 | 27 | 46 | ❌ |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | 430 | 13 | 31 | 25 | ❌ |
| Broccoli Beef | 150 | 9 | 7 | 13 | ✅ |
| Mushroom Chicken | 220 | 13 | 14 | 10 | ✅ |
| Chow Mein (Side) | 510 | 13 | 22 | 65 | ❌ |
| Fried Rice (Side) | 520 | 12 | 16 | 82 | ❌ |
| Super Greens (Side) | 80 | 4 | 0.5 | 16 | ✅ |
Note: All nutrition values are based on standard single servings and are approximate. Premium entrees and specific limited-time offerings may have different counts.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Panda Express Order Awaits
The Panda Express menu is a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of American-Chinese favorites, blending the familiar comfort of classics like the Original Orange Chicken with exciting, modern options and health-conscious Wok Smart dishes.
Whether you’re planning a quick solo lunch with a Plate featuring Broccoli Beef and Super Greens, or organizing a family dinner with a budget-friendly Family Meal, Panda Express offers an easy-to-customize, satisfying experience. Armed with this knowledge of the top entrees, value options, and nutritional breakdown, you are now ready to step up to the counter and build your best-ever plate.
For more related topics: https://mirsft.com/