Panda Express’ original Orange Chicken meal was such a hit and loved by everyone that they had to introduce a vegan version, which brings us to the Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken.
This plant-based version is typically for vegans who love eating healthier and more plant-based meals. Sit tight while we explain everything you need to know before placing an order.
What’s Inside the Vegan Orange Chicken
Have you ever wondered what makes the Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken what it is? Well, we’ve got you covered.
- Tofu: This is the best chicken alternative for vegans. It’s firm and mushy.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This brings heat to your plate but can be removed if you don’t like spice.
- Sesame oil: This allows you to enjoy your meal with a nutty and rich flavor, but it can also be removed if you would prefer your meal oil-free.
- Green onions and Orange Zest: As optional as this piece is, it’s excellent for garnishing your meal for extra appeal.
- Orange Sauce: Made with a special mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar, cornstarch, and orange extract, this sticky and savory sweet sauce makes all the difference in your meal.
Where to Find Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken
To find the choice and participating locations where Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken can be found, use a store locator made available on the Panda Express official website. This is because it is available at only select locations across the United States.
When to Find Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken
Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken is available when supplies are available, as there are no specific times of the year when you can lay your hands on this piece. It is always removed from the menu when not in stock, but added back when available.
What Makes Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken Special
It is Plant Based
First and foremost, it is plant-friendly and vegan-friendly. This means a lot of intention was put into making this dish, so vegan dietary eaters do not feel left out of the tasty, mouth-watering effect of this meal.
With tofu that looks and tastes just like chicken but isn’t chicken, vegan eaters feel like they’re not missing out on anything.
It’s Unique Flavour
With all the other meals on the Panda Express menu, no meal tastes like the Vegan Orange Chicken, and the Vegan Orange Chicken also tastes like no other meal. Its flavoring is a unique blend of sweet and savory. A characteristic that makes it stand out.
High Demand
It’s a high-demand meal that always has customers coming back for more. Its crunchy texture, unique flavor, and plant-based nature make it so special that it always makes a significant comeback.
How to Make it a Full Vegan Meal
Having a Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken meal is excellent, but pairing it with other vegan dishes gives you a complete vegan meal and adds a whole vegan experience.
Incorporate Rice or Noodles
You can take your vegan meal a notch higher by adding some rice or noodles to your dish. With this addition, you don’t have to worry about your meal being cooked with beef broth or animal products. Some rice to try includes;
- Steamed white rice
- Steamed brown rice
- Coconut rice
- Chow mein
Add Vegetables
This is surely a plus for a plant-based eater. Adding vegetables makes it all the healthier. However, the vegetable options are quite low and limited to just one offer: the super Greens (comprising steamed broccoli, cabbage, and kale). It would be nice to have more varieties to hop on and enjoy.
Sauces
Incorporate some sauces into your vegan meal to make it taste better. Sauces not only enhance the flavour of everything but also make it taste a whole lot better. Opt for Soy sauce, Sweet chili sauce, Teriyaki sauce, or whichever you’re drawn to at the moment for a fully divine vegan meal.
Is it Healthier than the Original Orange Chicken?
Yes, the Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken is way healthier than the Original Orange Chicken meal because of its plant-based ingredients. It has a perfect balance of protein and carbs, sweet and savory, and a healthy calorie count of 440. So whenever you need to be on the healthier side of things, choose the Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken.
FAQs
Is Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken completely plant-based?
Yes, the Vegan Orange Chicken meal served at Panda Express is entirely plant-based and contains no animal derivatives.
Does the Vegan Orange Chicken taste like the original?
Yes, the Vegan Orange Chicken tastes just like the original, and the firm tofu pieces are the perfect chicken alternative.
Is the Vegan Orange Chicken available at all Panda Express locations?
No, the Vegan Orange Chicken meal is not available at all locations and is present only at select participating locations.
What are good Vegan sides to order with it?
Some good vegan sides to order with your Vegan Orange Chicken to make it a complete meal are white and brown steamed rice, chow mein, super greens, and vegetable spring rolls.
Conclusion
Panda Express Vegan Orange Chicken is a perfect vegan alternative to the Original Orange Chicken. It is made with orange sauce and shredded tofu pieces that mimic the original’s texture and taste.
This meal is special, tasty, and healthier than its original counterpart and can be made a complete vegan meal by incorporating sides, veggies and other vegan dishes for a complete experience.
