In 1987, Panda Express struck gold when it developed the now-world-famous Original Orange Chicken. The combination of the sticky, sweet-and-sour sauce and crispy chicken was an immediate success and helped put the popular American-Chinese chain on the map. Today, it has more than 2,500 locations worldwide.
For a time, Panda Express made a vegan version of its most iconic dish. Yep, back in 2021 the chain trialed Beyond the Original Orange Chicken (made with Beyond Meat, of course).
Panda Express
But while the chain has launched—and relaunched—the vegan fan-favorite multiple times since then, the item is no longer available at the time of writing. Panda Express last added vegan orange chicken back to its menu in October 2024, but it quietly disappeared and is no longer available today.
But stay with us. Panda Express does still offer some vegan options to tide us over until it decides to bring back the plant-based version of its most popular menu item (there is even a petition dedicated to the cause).
The next time you find yourself peering into the hot buffet trays of Panda Express, follow this guide to fill your plate with all the vegan goods.
Panda Express
1 Eggplant Tofu is available in select locations only
This humble dish consists of browned tofu, eggplant, red bell peppers, and a sweet-and-spicy sauce—and it’s loaded with flavor. A Panda Express representative has confirmed that the sauce does not contain any animal ingredients. Be warned, however, as not every store carries this entrée.
Panda Express
2The chow mein is chicken broth-free
No need to worry about chicken, fish, or beef broth here—Panda Express offers a few options for carbs. Use them as a hearty, satiating base to soak in any lingering sauce that drips from your main dish.
As of 2019, the chow mein is also vegan. The company nixed the chicken broth and animal-based seasonings following a robust campaign by Vegan Outreach.
Unfortunately, the fried rice contains egg. Still, that leaves you with a few solid picks. Your vegan options for rice and noodles are:
- Steamed brown rice
- Chow mein
- Steamed white rice
Panda Express
3Vegetable spring rolls are always a crowd-pleaser
For extra crispy goodness, make sure to add a portion of the Vegetable Spring Rolls to your order. It’s just a crunchy wheat-flour wrapper packed with vegetables such as cabbage, celery, carrots, green onions, and mung bean vermicelli noodles. What’s not to love?
Panda Express
4For extra nutrition, pile on the Super Greens
Honestly speaking, Panda Express could put a bit more effort into its vegetable offerings. However, the one vegetable option available at all locations does a suitable job. The Super Greens are simply prepared with steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It’s always a delight to find a healthy green option that’s not a limp salad at any fast-food joint.
Convenient Keto
5 The key to a great Panda Express? The sauce, of course
Zhush up those Super Greens or a carton of rice with one of the many vegan-friendly sauces.
When you opt for the chili, hot mustard, plum, potsticker, soy, sweet and sour, or teriyaki sauce, you’re in the clear. Pro tip: ask for extra sauces and use them in your own kitchen for a Panda-esque stir-fry or tofu dish.
As you can see, Panda Express offers options that won’t leave you hungry, but it could still add a little more variety to its vegan menu.
We’re crossing our fingers for the day when Beyond the Original Orange Chicken becomes a permanent menu item.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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Tanya Flink is a VegNews writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
