Panda Express is a popular American Chinese fast-food chain that offers a variety of dishes inspired by Chinese cuisine. While the majority of their menu is not gluten-free, there are certain items that are naturally free of wheat flour or gluten. However, for those with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, Panda Express may not be the best option due to the potential for cross-contamination.
panda express history
Panda Express was founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng in Glendale, California. The couple wanted to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere where people could enjoy high-quality Chinese food. Over the years, Panda Express has become one of the largest Chinese fast-food chains in America, with over 1,900 restaurants spread across 50 states and provinces.
is panda express gluten free?
Panda Express does not currently offer a special gluten-free menu. While many of their dishes are naturally gluten-free, such as brown and white steamed rice, sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, hot mustard, and plum sauce, all dishes are prepared in the same kitchen with shared equipment. This can lead to the presence of gluten cross-contamination.
For this reason, individuals with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity should avoid eating at Panda Express unless they can verify that the restaurant prepares gluten-free dishes in a dedicated kitchen. Those with milder gluten intolérance may be able to enjoy selected items on the Panda Express menu.
panda express gluten-free options
尽管 Panda Express's menu is not exclusively gluten-free, there are certain naturally gluten-free options available. These include:
- Brown Steamed Rice: Brown rice is a whole grain that is naturally free of gluten. Panda Express offers brown rice as a side dish in several of their dishes.
- White Steamed Rice: White rice is another whole grain that is naturally gluten-free. It is often served as a side dish in Chinese dishes and is included in some combination meals.
- Sweet & Sour Sauce: This sauce is made with natural sugars and herbs and does not contain wheat flour or gluten.
- Chili Sauce: Chili sauce is typically made with chili peppers, garlic, and other seasonings and does not contain gluten.
- Hot Mustard: Hot mustard is made with yellow mustard seeds and does not contain wheat flour or gluten.
- Plum Sauce: Plum sauce is a traditional Chinese condiment made with fruits, herbs, and spices and is typically gluten-free.
- All Drinks: All drinks available at Panda Express are naturally gluten-free and do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
common questions asked when ordering gluten-free from panda express
- Is Kung Pao chicken from panda express gluten-free? Kung Pao chicken is made with peanuts, which are considered grains of opportunity for gluten cross-contamination. Therefore, Kung Pao chicken from Panda Express is not gluten-free.
- Is teriyaki chicken from panda express gluten-free? Teriyaki sauce often contains soy sauce, which is made with wheat. Due to the potential for cross-contamination, teriyaki chicken from Panda Express is not gluten-free.
- Is fried rice from panda express gluten-free? Most soy sauces contain gluten, and Panda Express prepares its entrees fresh with shared kitchen utensils, which can lead to gluten cross-contamination in fried rice.
- Is panda express beef and broccoli gluten-free? Most soy sauces contain gluten, and Panda Express prepares its entrees fresh with shared cooking equipment, which can cause cross-contamination with different allergens. Therefore, beef and broccoli from Panda Express are not gluten-free.
copycat panda express gluten-free recipes
Due to the lack of a dedicated gluten-free kitchen at Panda Express, it is challenging for the chain to offer truly gluten-free versions of their dishes. However, here are some copycat recipes that can be made at home to enjoy delicious gluten-free Chinese food:
- Gluten-Free Orange Chicken: This recipe tastes like the classic Chinese take-out and can be made by making a batter and sauce without wheat flour or gluten.
- Gluten-Free Sweet Fire Chicken: This recipe is a tasty version of the popular Panda Express dish that can be made with natural ingredients and without the risk of gluten cross-contamination.
other gluten-free menu guides
While Panda Express does not provide a dedicated gluten-free menu, there are other fast-food restaurants that offer gluten-free options. For example, PF Changs, Pei Wei, and Texas Roadhouse all have gluten-free menus available. It is essential to check the allergen information on their websites or contact them directly to determine which items are gluten-free., while Panda Express does not offer a comprehensive gluten-free menu, individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can still enjoy some of their dishes by following the copycat recipes mentioned above or by choosing other gluten-free fast-food restaurants. It is always best to make informed decisions about food preferences and dietary restrictions to avoid unnecessary health risks.
