“`html
Panda Express, the ubiquitous fast-casual Chinese-American restaurant, is known for its iconic orange chicken and satisfying bowls. However, beyond the enticing entrees lies a selection of sides that complete the Panda Express experience. These sides offer a variety of flavors and textures, providing a balanced complement to your meal. Understanding your side options is key to crafting the perfect Panda Express order, so let’s explore the delicious offerings in detail.
Classic Rice Options: A Foundation for Your Feast
Rice is a cornerstone of many Asian cuisines, and Panda Express is no exception. They offer several rice varieties, each with its unique character. Choosing the right rice can significantly impact the overall enjoyment of your meal.
Steamed White Rice: The Simple Staple
Steamed white rice is the most basic and arguably most versatile side at Panda Express. Cooked to a fluffy consistency, it provides a neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the entrees beautifully. It’s a reliable option for those who want to focus on the main course without any competing flavors. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for pairing with richer, more flavorful dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or Black Pepper Angus Steak. It also tends to be the lower-calorie option among the rice choices.
Brown Rice: A Healthier Alternative
For the health-conscious, Panda Express offers brown rice as an alternative to white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it retains the bran and germ layers, which are removed during the processing of white rice. This makes brown rice a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture compared to white rice, adding a pleasant dimension to your meal. Brown rice is often a preferred choice for those seeking a more wholesome and nutritious option.
Fried Rice: A Flavorful Indulgence
Panda Express’s fried rice is a more flavorful and substantial side option. It’s made with wok-tossed rice, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and soy sauce. The combination of ingredients creates a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that pairs well with many of their entrees. While it’s higher in calories and sodium than the steamed rice options, fried rice offers a more satisfying and complete side dish experience. This is often a favorite among those looking for a more decadent and flavorful base.
Noodle Delights: Chow Mein and Beyond
Beyond rice, Panda Express also features noodles as a core side dish, offering a different texture and flavor profile to complement your meal. Their chow mein is a popular choice, providing a savory and filling option.
Chow Mein: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
Chow mein at Panda Express consists of stir-fried wheat noodles tossed with onions, celery, and cabbage in a savory sauce. The noodles are cooked until tender-crisp, offering a satisfying bite. The combination of vegetables adds a subtle sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory flavors of the sauce. Chow mein is a hearty and flavorful side that can stand on its own or complement a variety of entrees. It’s a consistently popular choice due to its familiar flavors and satisfying texture.
Vegetable Medley: A Light and Refreshing Option
For those seeking a lighter and healthier side, Panda Express offers a mixed vegetable option. This side is a great way to add some essential nutrients to your meal.
Super Greens: A Healthy and Flavorful Choice
The Super Greens blend is a mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage, steamed and lightly seasoned. This is the healthiest side available at Panda Express, packed with vitamins and fiber. The steaming process preserves the nutrients and provides a slightly crunchy texture. This side is a great choice for those looking to balance their meal with a lighter, more nutritious option. It adds freshness and vibrant color to your plate.
Appetizer Options: More Than Just Sides
While Panda Express focuses primarily on entrees and sides, they also offer a few appetizer-like options that can be enjoyed as sides or as standalone snacks.
Cream Cheese Rangoon: A Sweet and Savory Treat
Cream Cheese Rangoon is a crispy, deep-fried wonton filled with a sweet and savory cream cheese mixture. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior makes this a popular choice. Served with a sweet chili sauce, Cream Cheese Rangoon offers a sweet and savory experience. They are often shared but can also be a satisfying addition to a meal for those craving something a little different.
Egg Roll: A Classic Appetizer
Panda Express’s egg roll is a deep-fried, savory roll filled with shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables. It provides a crispy exterior with a flavorful and slightly crunchy interior. While not a traditional “side,” the egg roll can be added to your meal as a supplemental item.
Regional and Limited-Time Sides: A Changing Landscape
Panda Express sometimes introduces regional or limited-time sides to cater to local tastes or offer seasonal variations. These offerings can add excitement and variety to the menu.
Keeping an Eye Out for Specials
It’s always worth checking the Panda Express website or asking in-store about any special or limited-time sides. These can include unique vegetable blends, different types of rice, or even entirely new creations. These limited-time offers can be exciting ways to enhance your meal.
Making the Right Choice: Pairing Sides with Entrees
Choosing the right side can significantly enhance your Panda Express experience. Consider the flavors and textures of your chosen entree when selecting a side.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
For richer, more intense entrees like Orange Chicken or Beijing Beef, a simple side like steamed white rice or Super Greens can provide a balanced contrast. For milder entrees like Mushroom Chicken or String Bean Chicken Breast, a more flavorful side like fried rice or chow mein can add depth and complexity. The key is to consider how the side will complement, not compete with, the flavors of your main dish.
Considering Dietary Needs
If you have dietary restrictions, such as being gluten-free or watching your calorie intake, Panda Express offers several options. The Super Greens and steamed rice are generally the lowest-calorie and most nutritious choices. Brown rice offers added fiber compared to white rice. Be aware that fried rice and chow mein tend to be higher in calories, sodium, and fat.
Nutritional Information: Making Informed Decisions
Panda Express provides nutritional information for all of its menu items, allowing you to make informed choices about your meal.
Utilizing Online Resources
The Panda Express website and app offer detailed nutritional information for all sides, including calorie counts, macronutrient breakdowns, and allergen information. This information can be invaluable for those tracking their diets or managing food allergies.
Customizing Your Order: Making it Your Own
Panda Express allows for some customization of its sides, allowing you to tailor your order to your preferences.
Adjusting Portions and Combinations
While Panda Express typically serves sides in specific portion sizes as part of a bowl or plate, you may be able to request smaller or larger portions, depending on your appetite. You can also combine multiple sides to create a more varied meal.
Beyond the Sides: Complementary Additions
While technically not “sides,” there are a few other items at Panda Express that can complement your meal.
Fortune Cookies and Sauces
No Panda Express meal is complete without a fortune cookie. They also offer a variety of sauces, such as soy sauce, chili sauce, and plum sauce, which can be added to your sides or entrees to enhance the flavor. These small additions can significantly impact the overall enjoyment of your meal.
In conclusion, Panda Express offers a diverse selection of sides to complement its entrees. From the classic steamed rice to the flavorful chow mein and the healthy Super Greens, there is a side to suit every taste and dietary need. By understanding your options and considering the flavors and textures of your chosen entree, you can create a satisfying and enjoyable Panda Express experience. Remember to check for limited-time offerings and utilize the available nutritional information to make informed choices.
“`
What are the standard side options available at Panda Express?
Panda Express typically offers a selection of four standard side dishes at most locations. These commonly include Chow Mein, Fried Rice, White Steamed Rice, and Brown Steamed Rice. The availability of these sides ensures customers can customize their meals with a carbohydrate base that complements their entree choices.
Beyond the core four, some Panda Express restaurants might occasionally feature seasonal or regional side options. These limited-time offerings can add variety to the menu, providing customers with unique and potentially healthier alternatives to the standard choices. It is always best to check with your local Panda Express to confirm the specific side dishes they have available on any given day.
Is there a healthier side option available at Panda Express?
Yes, Panda Express offers Steamed Brown Rice as a healthier alternative to other sides like Chow Mein and Fried Rice. Brown rice is a whole grain, providing more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice. Choosing brown rice can contribute to a more balanced and nutritious meal when dining at Panda Express.
While Steamed Brown Rice is a solid choice, another consideration is the amount of oil used in the other sides. Chow Mein and Fried Rice often contain higher levels of sodium and fat due to the cooking process and added ingredients. Therefore, opting for either Steamed Brown Rice or even Steamed White Rice with careful entree selection can lead to a healthier overall meal.
What is Chow Mein made of at Panda Express?
The Chow Mein at Panda Express consists of stir-fried wheat noodles combined with shredded cabbage, celery, and onions. These vegetables are cooked with the noodles in a savory sauce, creating a flavorful and popular side dish. The noodles are typically prepared using a wok, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor.
While the ingredients themselves are relatively simple, the Chow Mein’s overall nutritional profile should be considered. The noodles and sauce contribute to a higher carbohydrate and sodium content compared to the steamed rice options. Therefore, it is a good idea to balance your meal with lighter entrees and be mindful of portion sizes.
Does Panda Express offer any vegetable-based sides other than what’s included in the Chow Mein?
Currently, Panda Express does not consistently offer a dedicated, standalone vegetable-based side dish beyond the vegetables included in the Chow Mein. The primary focus of their side offerings is on carbohydrate-based options like rice and noodles. Customers seeking a higher proportion of vegetables in their meal typically rely on the vegetable content within the entrees themselves.
However, some locations might occasionally introduce seasonal items or regional specialties that could include vegetable-centric side dishes. Keep an eye on local promotions and limited-time offers, as these could potentially feature options with a greater emphasis on vegetables. It’s also worth checking the Panda Express website or app for the most up-to-date menu information.
Is the Fried Rice at Panda Express vegetarian?
No, the Fried Rice at Panda Express is not vegetarian. It contains eggs, which are an animal product, making it unsuitable for strict vegetarians or vegans. The presence of eggs is a key ingredient that contributes to the texture and flavor of the dish.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the Fried Rice may also contain trace amounts of meat-based ingredients due to cross-contamination during preparation. This is because the same cooking surfaces and utensils might be used for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. Individuals with strict dietary restrictions should consider this when making their food choices.
Can I request extra vegetables in my Chow Mein at Panda Express?
While Panda Express does not typically offer a formal option to customize the Chow Mein with additional vegetables, it is always worth asking the staff at your local restaurant. Policies and flexibility can vary depending on the location and the current availability of ingredients. A polite request might occasionally be accommodated, especially if there is an abundance of vegetables on hand.
However, keep in mind that adding extra vegetables might not be guaranteed, and it could potentially incur an additional charge. The best approach is to inquire directly and be understanding if the request cannot be fulfilled. Focusing on entrees that are rich in vegetables is a more reliable way to increase your vegetable intake at Panda Express.
What are the nutritional differences between the rice options at Panda Express?
The primary nutritional difference between the rice options at Panda Express lies in the type of grain and its processing. Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it retains the bran and germ layers, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. White rice, on the other hand, has these layers removed, resulting in a lower fiber and nutrient content.
As a result, Brown Steamed Rice generally offers a higher nutritional value compared to White Steamed Rice. The increased fiber content contributes to better digestion and a feeling of fullness. While both options are relatively low in fat and cholesterol, choosing brown rice is a more nutritious choice for those looking to maximize the health benefits of their meal.