Panda Express Sauces: Copycat Recipes & Nutrition Guide
Panda Express sauces play a big role in the brand’s bold and recognizable flavors. From sweet orange sauce to savory teriyaki and spicy chili sauces, these condiments allow customers to customize their meals based on taste preferences.
Whether you’re watching calories, managing sugar intake, or just curious about what goes into these sauces, understanding their nutrition can help you make smarter choices at Panda Express. Explore the full panda express menu with nutrition guide.
What Are Panda Express Sauces?
Panda Express offers a variety of sauces that are either:
- Mixed directly into entrées (like Orange Chicken sauce)
- Served separately as dipping or drizzle sauces
Most sauces are inspired by Chinese-American flavors and range from sweet and savory to spicy and tangy
Panda Express Sauces Nutrition & Calories
Below is an approximate nutrition guide per serving (small sauce cup or packet). Values may vary slightly by location.
Sauce Nutrition Breakdown (Approximate)
| Sauce | Calories | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Sauce | ~80 kcal | ~17 g | ~160 mg |
| Teriyaki Sauce | ~70 kcal | ~14 g | ~610 mg |
| Sweet & Sour Sauce | ~60 kcal | ~12 g | ~150 mg |
| Chili Sauce | ~10 kcal | ~2 g | ~190 mg |
| Soy Sauce | ~10 kcal | 0 g | ~500 mg |
| Hot Mustard | ~10 kcal | 0 g | ~60 mg |
Which Panda Express Sauce Is the Healthiest?
If calories and sugar are your main concern:
- Chili Sauce and Hot Mustard are the lowest-calorie options
- Soy Sauce has no sugar but is high in sodium
If you want flavor with moderation:
- Use teriyaki or orange sauce sparingly
- Avoid adding extra sauce on already sauced entrées
Popular Panda Express Sauces
Panda Express Sauces
Some of the most commonly used and requested Panda Express sauces include:
- Orange Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Chili Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Hot Mustard
Each sauce differs significantly in calories, sugar, and sodium.
Panda Express Sauces Homemade Copycat Recipes
Panda Express sauces are known for their bold flavors that turn simple meals into fan favorites. Many people search for ways to recreate these sauces at home, especially the bottled versions sold in grocery stores. Below is a clear, easy-to-follow guide to making Panda Express–style sauces inspired by the original flavors served at Panda Express.
These are copycat recipes, designed to closely match taste and texture while keeping ingredients simple and accessible.
Panda Express Orange Sauce Recipe
The most popular and highest-searched sauce is Panda Express orange sauce, known for its sweet, citrusy flavor.
Ingredients
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cornstarch + water
Panda Express Orange Sauce
How to Make Panda Express Orange Sauce:
Simmer orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Once fragrant, add cornstarch slurry and cook until thick and glossy. This sauce closely matches the bottled orange sauce used for Orange Chicken.
Best for: Orange chicken, crispy tofu, rice bowls
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Panda Express teriyaki sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and commonly used on grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cornstarch slurry
Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce
How to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce:
Heat all ingredients together until sugar dissolves. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until smooth and thick. The result is a shiny, restaurant-style teriyaki sauce.
Best for: Grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables
Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
This sauce is tangy and mild, making it a favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- Pineapple juice
- Sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Ketchup
- Cornstarch slurry
Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce
How to Make Panda Express Sweet and Sour Sauce:
Simmer all ingredients until combined, then thicken with cornstarch. The flavor is balanced and similar to the bottled Panda Express sweet and sour sauce.
Best for: Egg rolls, chicken bites, shrimp
Panda Express Chili Sauce Recipe
For those who prefer heat, Panda Express chili sauce delivers spice with minimal calories.
Ingredients
- Chili paste
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Water
Panda Express Sweet Chilli Sauce
How to Make Panda Express Chili Sauce:
Cook all ingredients briefly on low heat. This sauce is spicy, slightly tangy, and great for adding heat without sweetness.
Best for: Rice, noodles, vegetables
Panda Express Soy Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Sugar (optional)
Panda Express Sweet Chilli Sauce
How to Make Panda Express Soy Sauce:
Dilute soy sauce slightly with water to soften saltiness. Add a pinch of sugar if desired for balance.
Best for: Dumplings, rice, stir-fry
Panda Express Hot Mustard Sauce Recipe
Hot mustard delivers sharp heat and bold flavor.
Ingredients
- Dry mustard powder
- Water
- Vinegar
- Sugar
Panda Express Sweet Chilli Sauce
How to Make Panda Express Hot Mustard Sauce:
Mix mustard powder with water, then add vinegar and sugar. Let it rest briefly to develop heat.
Best for: Egg rolls, fried appetizers
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store sauces in airtight glass bottles
- Refrigerate after cooling
- Use within 5–7 days
- Shake well before use
Are Panda Express Sauces Healthy?
Panda Express sauces are not unhealthy by default, but portion size matters. Many sauces contain added sugar or sodium, which can quickly increase calories if used generously.
A balanced approach includes:
- Choosing grilled or vegetable-based entrées
- Using sauces lightly
- Pairing meals with Super Greens
Panda Express Sauce Highest in Calories?
Orange sauce is the highest in calories and sugar. This is why dishes like Orange Chicken are more calorie-dense compared to grilled or stir-fried options. Sweet sauces contribute:
- More carbohydrates
- Higher sugar intake
- Extra calories without protein or fiber
Best Sauce Pairings at Panda Express
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Teriyaki sauce (light drizzle)
- Mushroom Chicken: Soy or chili sauce
- Orange Chicken: No extra sauce needed
- Rice & Veggies: Chili sauce or hot mustard
These combinations keep flavor high without overloading calories.
Final Thoughts
Panda Express sauces add bold flavor, but they vary widely in calories, sugar, and sodium. Choosing lighter sauces or using sweet sauces in moderation can help balance your meal. With these copycat homemade recipes, you can enjoy Panda Express–style flavors at home while controlling ingredients and nutrition—without sacrificing taste.
FAQ’s
What sauces does Panda Express offer?
Panda Express offers popular sauces including Orange Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, and Hot Mustard. Some are mixed into entrées, while others are served as dipping sauces.
How long do homemade Panda Express sauces last?
Homemade Panda Express-style sauces typically last 5–7 days when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Can I make Panda Express sauces at home?
Yes, you can make copycat Panda Express sauces at home using simple ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch to closely match the original flavors.
Can you buy Panda Express sauces in bottles?
Yes, some Panda Express sauces such as Orange Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Sweet & Sour Sauce, and Chili Sauce are available in bottled versions at grocery stores and online.
Is Panda Express soy sauce low calorie?
Yes, Panda Express soy sauce is low in calories, but it is high in sodium. It’s best used in moderation, especially for people watching salt intake.
Does Panda Express sauce contain a lot of sugar?
Sweet sauces like Orange Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, and Sweet & Sour Sauce contain added sugar. Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, and Hot Mustard contain little to no sugar.
How many calories are in Panda Express sauces?
Calories vary by sauce. Orange Sauce has about 80 calories per serving, Teriyaki Sauce around 70, Sweet & Sour about 60, while Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, and Hot Mustard contain around 10 calories per serving.
Are Panda Express sauces healthy?
Panda Express sauces are not unhealthy by default, but portion size matters. Sweet sauces are higher in sugar, while savory sauces can be high in sodium. Using sauces lightly helps keep meals balanced.
Which Panda Express sauce has the most calories?
Orange Sauce is the highest-calorie Panda Express sauce due to its sugar content. This is why Orange Chicken is more calorie-dense than grilled or stir-fried dishes.
