Panda Express—the classic mall food court restaurant that really hits the spot when you're craving Chinese food, but can't make it to an authentic sit-down restaurant. However, if you find yourself unable to find a Panda Express nearby (sadly me), or if you're too lazy to leave the house (also me), you can still get your Chinese cuisine fix with these nine easy copycat Panda Express recipes.
1. Fried Rice
I had to start of my list of copycat Panda Express recipes with my go-to menu item as a kid: the infamous Fried Rice. Though technically a side, it's packed with so much flavor from the green onions, peas, carrots, soy sauce, and, the best part, scrambled eggs that I could eat it by itself and be satisfied. Panda's version is pretty amazing as is, but this homemade version is easily customizable, so you can load up on stir-ins and fun additions. The best part? It takes 15 minutes max to whip up.
2. Kung Pao Chicken
If you haven't tried Panda Express's Kung Pao Chicken, run, not walk, to your closest location, or try your hand at making some at home. This dish has it all—the crunch from the roasted peanuts, the spice from the chili peppers, the freshness from the veggies. And who said chicken was boring?
3. Spring Roll
Panda Express's Spring Rolls are crispy and veggie-friendly, and although I participate in Meatless Mondays, I do enjoy the occasional meat-filled spring roll. These pork spring rolls are so simple to make that even someone who owns two measly knives like myself can make them. All you gotta do is chop, roll, and fry, and you've got yourself some crispy spring rolls, perfect for dipping in a tangy fish sauce.
4. Beef and Broccoli
Ignore all the rap music news, because the only beef you need is this Beef and Broccoli recipe. With just a few, simple, high-quality ingredients, you've got a filling, high-protein dinner that's perfect for meal-prepping. Just pop your leftovers in the microwave, and if you refrained from overcooking the first time, the flank steak will still be tender as if fresh off the pan.
5. Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
Sweet flavors aren't just reserved for dessert; honey belongs on chicken, whether it be fried or cooked in a wok, like this Honey Sesame Chicken Breast recipe that's a dead-ringer for the Panda Express entree item. What I love about this recipe is that, since it's cooked in a slow cooker, it's a fairly low-effort dish. You just throw all the ingredients in, let cook for three to four hours, and you're done.
6. Chow Mein
Another vegetarian option, Panda Express's Chow Mein is the epitome of everything this fast food chain is: no-frills, well-seasoned, and slightly oily. Make your own that's lower in fat and sodium, but just as delectable and most importantly, slurp-able.
7. Chicken Potsticker
Pan-fried pieces of dough, filled with a blend of meat and veggies, and dunked in soy sauce—yes, I'm talking about potstickers, the gateway dumpling. It might seem tempting to just order three from Panda Express, but making potstickers from scratch is not only great bonding experience you can have with your roommates. When they come off the pan steaming and crispy, it's a mouth-watering, spiritual experience.
8. Crispy Shrimp
If you're searching for a hand-held appetizer to serve to guests the next time you're hosting a get-together, look no further than this Crispy Shrimp recipe. Battered and generously seasoned, you and your friends will have trouble saving room for the main course—the shrimp is just so addictive.
9. Orange Chicken
Did you really think that I could write an article about copycat Panda Express recipes without including Orange Chicken, the most popular and beloved item on the menu? No Chinese take-out order is complete without Orange Chicken, so I've got you covered with a copycat Panda Express recipe that's full of zesty flavors and crunch.
I don't know about you, but I'm now salivating. So, go ahead and make a couple of these copycat Panda Express recipes and satisfy all your Asian food cravings, all without having to change out of your pajamas. You can thank me later.