With a commitment to offering healthy dining options, Panda Express has developed a dedicated gluten-free menu, although it is not currently available on all locations. This guide is designed to assist those with dietary restrictions, allowing them to make informed decisions about their dining experiences at the popular American Chinese fast food restaurant chain.
Panda Express History
Established in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express has become a popular dining destination for those seeking authentic American Chinese cuisine. Over the years, the chain has expanded its menu, introducing a variety of dishes that feature classic flavors from Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. While some of their most popular items are not gluten-free, such as Orange Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken, the company has taken steps to ensure that naturally gluten-free ingredients are not compromised by shared cooking equipment.
Is Panda Express Gluten Free?
Typically, Panda Express does not offer a dedicated gluten-free menu. However, some items on their menu are naturally gluten-free, such as brown rice, white rice, and steamed vegetables. It is essential for individuals with celiac disease or a severe gluten-free allergy to avoid places like Panda Express, as shared cooking equipment can result in cross-contamination. For this reason, those with allergies or dietary restrictions should carefully read food labels and ask the restaurant to confirm whether their meal is gluten-free.
Panda Express Gluten-Free Menu Options
While Panda Express does not offer a comprehensive gluten-free menu, there are a limited number of options available for customers with dietary limitations. These include:
- Sides: Customers can choose from a variety of sides, including brown rice, white rice, sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, hot mustard, and plum sauce.
- Drinks: All drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are gluten-free.
- Cookies: Panda Express fortune cookies are labeled as vegetarian but may contain egg and soy ingredients, making them unsuitable for individuals with allergies.
common questions asked when ordering gluten-free from panda express
When ordering at Panda Express, it is important to ask the staff about the gluten-free status of specific items. The following are some frequently asked questions:
- Is Kung Pao chicken gluten-free? Panda Express prepares their Kung Pao Chicken with shared equipment, which may result in cross-contamination. Thus, it is not typically considered gluten-free.
- Is Teriyaki chicken gluten-free? Teriyaki sauce often contains wheat, making this dish non-gluten-free. However, some employees may claim it does not contain wheat.
- Is fried rice gluten-free? Since most soy sauces contain gluten and Panda Express prepares their dishes with shared kitchen utensils, fried rice is not typically gluten-free.
- Is Panda Express' beef and broccoli gluten-free? Beef and broccoli are often cooked in the same pot as other gluten-containing dishes, making them non-gluten-free.
- Can I have your Fortune cookie without gluten? Like many brands of fortune cookies, those from Panda Express may contain egg, soy, or wheat. Individuals with allergies should avoid these cookies.
copycat panda express gluten-free recipes
While Panda Express does not offer a gluten-free menu, customers can still enjoy delicious recreations of their favorite dishes at home. Here are two recipes that are easy to make and taste similar to those found at Panda Express:
Gluten FreeOrange Chicken
- Ingredients: Dark meat chicken, water, sugar, distilled vinegar, modified food starch, corn starch, potato starch, orange extract, caramel color, salt, garlic, phosphoric acid, rice, sesame oil*
- Instructions: batter includes wheat flour, salt, eggs, spices, and leavening; sauce includes water, sugar, soy sauce, salt, and spices.
Gluten-Free Sweet Fire Chicken
- Ingredients: Chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, green onions, bamboo shoots, bell pepper, carrots, tofu*
- Instructions: marinate the chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil for 4 hours, then bake at 350°F until cooked through.
gluten-free chinese fast food chain alternatives
For customers with gluten-free dietary needs, Panda Express’ competitors offer a range of options. Some restaurants that cater specifically to gluten-free diets include:
- PF Changs: Offers a comprehensive gluten-free menu, though some dishes may be prepared on shared equipment.
- Pei Wei: Provides some gluten-free dishes, and customers can check their menu for allergen information.
- Texas Roadhouse: Has a dedicated gluten-free menu, although some items may be prepared with shared equipment.
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##While not all of Panda Express' dishes are gluten-free, the company is making efforts to reduce the risk of cross-contamination through the use of separate cooking utensils and ingredient sourcing. Although the chain does not offer a dedicated gluten-free menu, customers with dietary constraints can still enjoy authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine by making informed choices and communicating with restaurant staff.
